Finally, they arrived at the heart of the mansion, a grand dining hall that could easily accommodate a hundred guests.
The room was adorned with a long, ornate dining table, complete with fine china and crystal glassware. At the head of the table sat Count Francisco himself, a portly man with a twinkle in his eye and an air of self-importance.
"Ah, the new chef is here," the count exclaimed, his voice booming through the hall. "You must be Max, yes?"
'This person completely forgot my name, even though we only met two days ago.' Max cursed aloud in his heart.
Max couldn't help but feel slighted as he realized the Count had seemingly forgotten his name, despite their meeting just two days prior. Although he found such behavior irksome, he knew he had to maintain his composure and suppress his annoyance for the time being.
Max nodded, feeling a mixture of anger and determination. He had come this far, and he wasn't about to let the count's pompous demeanor deter him from his goal.
"Very well, Max. I expect nothing but the finest cuisine for my son's wedding. Do you understand?" the count demanded.
Max met the count's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Yes, Count Francisco. I will do my best to ensure that the food is nothing short of exceptional."
The count seemed satisfied with Max's response, and the butler led him to the mansion's extensive kitchen. As Max entered the kitchen, he couldn't help but marvel at its state-of-the-art equipment and pristine cleanliness. It was a chef's dream come true.
Max stood in awe of the count's manor kitchen. It was a stark contrast to the humble inn where he had been cooking.
This kitchen was a realm of culinary opulence, akin to a lavish 7-star hotel kitchen from his former life. Every detail exuded sophistication and efficiency, from the gleaming countertops to the state-of-the-art appliances.
Max's excitement and determination surged as he prepared to showcase his culinary talents in this remarkable culinary haven.
[Author: Don't Compare our timeline with Mx timeline]
On one side of the kitchen wall, there hung a list of dishes, not more than five or six, meticulously curated by the count himself.
This list served as a guide for Max, Count Francisco, and Edward as they discussed which dishes Max should prepare and how many of each were required.
The coordination felt like a well-orchestrated plan, with each dish carefully chosen and discussed to ensure flawless execution of the upcoming culinary extravaganza.
With the count's expectations looming over him, Max knew that he had a daunting task ahead. He had to prove himself in the world of the elite, and he was determined to rise to the occasion.
As he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to create culinary masterpieces, Max couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought him to this moment.
It was a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, but Max was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in his pursuit of culinary excellence in this new and mysterious world.
_ _ _
Max had been given a strict two-hour window to prepare six different types of dishes, totaling enough for 50 people.
It was clear that these dishes were intended for guests of higher nobility, a rare occurrence for a mana-chef to cook at a private event.
The reason behind this rarity was the prestige associated with mana chefs. In the entire Lionheart Kingdom, there were not more than five mana chefs, and they typically avoided private functions to focus on honing their skills.
However, Edward had accepted Count Francisco's invitation to cater his son's marriage, seeing it as an opportunity for Max to gain experience and understand how the society of Aiden worked.
Count Francisco was elated to have a mana-chef at his son's wedding, as it would bring him significant respect among the nobility, a fact that filled him with immense joy.
Max carefully examined the dishes before him, noticing that each one was of 1st-tier quality. He had already prepared these dishes once in the previous two days, and it took him just one attempt to perfect them. His proficiency in recreating these dishes showcased his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
This proficiency both shocked Edward and deepened his admiration for Max as a devoted disciple and a skilled chef. The ease with which Max prepared these dishes showcased his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
_ _ _
Max found himself alone in the kitchen, a situation he greatly preferred. He was used to working solo and found comfort in the solitude. A contented smile crept onto his face as he glanced around the well-equipped kitchen.
He meticulously checked all the ingredients, herbs, and other items required for preparing the dishes. Everything seemed to be in order, which put Max at ease. He had a habit of double-checking, a trait that had served him well in his culinary career.
Among the ingredients, Max came across something that left him pleasantly surprised and intrigued.
It was his first encounter with a 1st-tier Ice Argonos Bear, a rare and powerful creature with ice elemental abilities. Such beasts were not easy to find, and it was a testament to Count Francisco's wealth and resources that there were ten of these creatures prepared for culinary use.
Max couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, marveling at how the affluent could secure such rare ingredients effortlessly.
As Max prepared to embark on the culinary challenge, he couldn't deny the excitement building within him. Cooking with premium ingredients like the Ice Argonos Bear presented a unique opportunity to showcase his skills.
He knew that delivering flawless dishes for the noble guests at the upcoming marriage celebration would not only earn him recognition but also contribute to his quest to support the Sun Care Orphanage.
Max delved into David's memories, gaining insight into the head of the Sun Care Orphanage's life. David's own childhood had been marked by constant moving and hard work, starting from when he was just five years old. Despite the challenges he faced, David displayed a level of maturity beyond his years.
In one particular memory, Max discovered the heartwarming connection between David and Granny Romina, who served as the head of the Sun Care Orphanage.
Granny Romina had been a comforting and nurturing presence in David's life, effectively stepping into the role of the grandmother he had longed for.
The depth of love and respect David held for Granny Romina was clearly evident in his memories. This connection was the primary driving force behind David's desire to collect money and provide financial assistance to the orphanage.
Max couldn't help but feel moved by this glimpse into David's life. He made a silent promise to the heavens, tears welling up in his eyes, as he addressed his fallen friend, "You don't have to worry, buddy. I'll take care of them all." With newfound determination, Max was ready to honor David's memory by fulfilling his mission to support the Sun Care Orphanage.
With a sense of purpose, Max began his culinary preparations, fully aware of the high expectations that lay ahead.