Serving the Dish

Even the smile on Horton's face vanished. Young as he was, he understood perfectly what the Pandion Family meant, and he knew full well what kind of towering figures had now set their sights on Kelton and this restaurant.

The waiter's tone was normal, but to everyone present, the moment he said "Pandion Family," there was a clear note of arrogance in his voice.

"I see... Then we'll order other dishes." Harmon ultimately didn't lose his composure, though his voice was thick with regret.

He quickly ordered a few dishes, then handed the wax tablet menu to the waiter.

Just as the waiter was about to turn, Suye's voice rang out in the room.

"Waiter, we'll still order the Kelton Salad, but please tell Master Chef that it was Suye who ordered it," Suye said.

"You know Master Chef?" The waiter's attitude warmed slightly.

"We've worked together," Suye nodded.

"Rest assured, I'll pass along your message." The waiter showed Suye utmost respect, even though he knew perfectly well that Harmon was wealthier than Suye.

The waiter left, and the three people in the room stared blankly at Suye.

Harmon's legs had gone numb from standing, yet he still didn't want to sit down.

Harmon was wealthy, comparable to a minor noble, but he was neither a mage nor a warrior, and as a foreigner, his status in Athens was low. That was precisely why he spent so much money to send Horton to study at Plato Academy.

No matter how hard he tried, because of his foreigner status, Harmon could never succeed in befriending powerful figures or nobles, no matter how much he wished to.

Master Chef was not as wealthy as Harmon, nor was his status particularly high. However, in Greece, only native-born citizens could serve as chefs with sacrificial qualifications, and their ties to the priests of the great temples were extraordinary.

He was someone Harmon absolutely could not afford to offend.

"Student Suye, how did you come to know Master Chef?" Harmon asked cautiously.

Suye told the truth: "We've only met once. My parents are bakers, and they once worked with him."

"I see." The three exchanged glances, breathed a sigh of relief, and slowly sat down.

Horton hesitated for a long while before asking, "You really only met once?"

Suye said seriously, "Really only met once, shared just one meal, and never saw him again after that."

Horton shot his father a look.

Harmon nodded, his expression easing considerably.

"Put your cup away properly," Harmon reminded.

Suye picked up the Black Pottery Wine Cup, glanced at the bottom, then looked at the three of them, and placed it on his right side.

Horton sat to Suye's right.

Senit slowly sheathed his dagger, frowning in thought.

Time passed slowly, dish after dish arriving. The three ate in silence, with Suye occasionally offering a comment that made them feel uncomfortable.

Suddenly, a commotion arose from outside.

"Master Chef!"

"Master Chef!"

"What luck today..."

"I heard he's the real creator of the Kelton Salad."

Suddenly, the door swung open.

A thick smell of kitchen grease flooded into the room.

A middle-aged man in a short white robe stood at the doorway, wrapped in a large apron covered in all kinds of stains. Fatigue was etched on his face, but his upturned mustache and cheerful eyes lent him some energy.

"Little Suye, why didn't you say something before coming? It's been so busy today—don't blame the Dolphin River for poor hospitality." Master Chef, who rarely smiled, walked in carrying a salad bowl with his own hands, greeting Suye with a grin.

"Good evening, Master Chef. I was suddenly invited and had no choice but to come." Suye stood up with a smile.

Master Chef set down the salad bowl and opened his arms, but said, "You can see the state I'm in, so I won't hug you. Enjoy your meal; tell the waiter if anything's wrong. It's too busy today—we'll talk another time."

"Alright, go ahead with your work."

Master Chef laughed, patted Suye on the shoulder, and strode out quickly.

The three people stared blankly at Suye.

This was only meeting once? Others might not know, but Harmon was well aware that Master Chef always believed the kitchen was above all else. He had even dared to scold Kelton himself—how could he be so warm to someone he'd only met once? And personally deliver the salad?

Even Kelton didn't get that treatment!

"The salad is excellent. Try some." Suye reached out, took a pinch, and put it in his mouth, nodding lightly. The flavor was superb—it had to be made by Master Chef himself. The proportions of vegetables and salad dressing were both perfect.

The three sat dumbfounded for a long time before slowly tasting the salad.

"It's really delicious..." Horton's palate had become fully Greek.

"Not bad," Harmon nodded.

Senit gave a slight nod. He wasn't used to the taste, but found it novel.

After finishing the salad, Harmon looked at the Black Pottery Wine Cup, then at his foolish son. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face as he weighed the consequences of offending Master Chef. He realized that Master Chef might not necessarily become hostile to him over Suye. Even if he did, at worst he'd just be unwelcome at the Dolphin River—it wouldn't go so far as to call in favors from priests to pressure him.

Besides, for him, priests weren't hard to deal with. As long as he was willing to make donations at the temple, he would generally be forgiven.

Finally, he gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and stared at Suye, slowly saying, "Since the meal is over, it's time for you to make your choice."

"What choice?" Suye asked.

"Friend or Wine Glass." Harmon's voice was ice-cold, no longer able to maintain the gentle tone of someone who had Sure Win in hand.

"Can I choose neither?" Suye asked.

"No!" Harmon said.

"I think I can." Suye smiled.

Harmon turned to look at Senit beside him.

To the surprise of both Harmon and Horton, Senit didn't stand up immediately. Instead, he hesitated for several seconds before slowly pulling out his dagger.

Harmon's heart skipped a beat. He could see that Senit had been influenced by Master and the person behind Master, Kelton.

The owner of the Dolphin River Restaurant was the renowned Silver Warrior Kelton, one of the most powerful figures in the entire citizen district, with influence even greater than that of a fallen minor noble.

Harmon knew full well that he would never climb to Kelton's status in his lifetime; perhaps his son still had a chance.

Thinking of this, Harmon glanced at his worthless son and cursed inwardly. If not for that Fool Horton, he wouldn't want to offend any Plato Academy student, not even the Third Idiot who might drop out at any moment.

When Senit stood up, Harmon couldn't help but say, "Senit, don't overthink it. I've investigated his background. He's just a baker's son. Even if he knows Master, it's at most a passing acquaintance. There can't be any big shot behind him."

Senit hadn't expected Harmon to be so impatient. He said nothing, merely nodding slightly.

Harmon relaxed, stared at Suye again, and for the first time showed a vicious expression, snarling, "Since you've chosen the path to the underworld, don't blame me. Speak up—will you do it yourself, or will we help you?"

Just then, the door to the room suddenly banged open.

New week, asking for a recommendation ticket! Tomorrow is New Year's Day. Wishing everyone a happy New Year!