"Tesoro Castle"

Four hours later.

The ninety-eighth dish, and the final one, was served.

A huge golden platter held only three golden candies.

Each was no bigger than a pea, with delicate patterns on its surface.

Alfred introduced it, saying, "This dish is called the Golden Age. It is our restaurant's closing dessert, symbolizing wealth and joy. The candy shell is sugar coating wrapped in gold leaf, while the inside contains specially made popping candy and jam that will 'bloom' in your mouth."

Brook casually picked up a candy and tossed it into his mouth.

Sweet—far too sweet, sweet enough to make him sick.

But just as he frowned, the outer shell melted, and the popping-candy-like filling crackled in his mouth.

Then the jam flowed out. It had a rich passion fruit flavor, and its tartness cut through the cloying sweetness, leaving behind a refreshing sensation instead.

Not bad. Kind of interesting.

Brook let out a long breath.

Finally... it was over.

Alfred bowed and asked, "Lord Brook, miss, were you satisfied with our dishes?"

Brook thought for a moment and said, "The performance was excellent."

He did not say whether the food was good. He only said the performance was excellent.

That was already a very tactful evaluation.

Alfred had clearly caught the hidden meaning, but he maintained his professional smile. "Thank you for your evaluation. Shall I prepare some tea to aid digestion?"

"No need." Brook stood up. "We'll take a walk. We ate too much—we need to digest it."

"Certainly. I'll see you out."

Escorted by rows of waiting staff, Brook and Hermione left the restaurant.

The moment they stepped outside, Brook could not help laughing.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"I was thinking," Brook said with a smile, "what expression would Sanji make if he knew about this