As Elias pondered Lady Seraphine's proposal, another challenge loomed. One afternoon, a flamboyantly dressed man stormed into the restaurant. His crimson cape billowed dramatically as he announced, "I am Chef Laurent, the royal court's head chef! I've heard tales of your so-called culinary genius, and I've come to challenge you to a cook-off!"
The restaurant fell silent as everyone turned to Elias, who blinked in surprise. "A cook-off?"
Laurent nodded arrogantly. "Indeed. Let's see if the famed Elias Moretti can match the skills of the king's personal chef!"
Elias sighed but couldn't help the small smile forming on his lips. "Very well. What are the terms?"
Laurent grinned. "One dish, judged by the king himself. The loser must declare the other as the superior chef publicly."
Elias agreed, and the date was set. The news spread like wildfire, and soon, everyone in the kingdom anticipated the showdown.