Head Chef

"Although Great Nobles dislike Mages, masters like Plato are exceptions. The old dean's arrival will raise Dolphin River's reputation another level. But how will you do it?" Kelton asked.

"I'll try." Suye's voice rang with conviction.

"I've tried." Kelton smiled without quite smiling.

"That's the second reason I came to you, classmate Kelton. I heard that you also studied briefly at Plato Academy. With your discernment, you should understand the future of Mages very well," Suye said.

"You're good at changing the subject. Back to the point." Kelton expertly controlled the pace of the conversation.

"This is the point. What I mean is that there is not only a monetary transaction between us, but also an exchange of value. The value of a future Mage's friendship surpasses a thousand Golden Eagles. Any wise person with vision would not keep their eyes fixed solely on money."

"Thirty Golden Eagles. I believe you are also a wise person with vision." A smile appeared on Kelton's face again.

"I will certainly be wise in the future. For now, I only have vision," Suye said without changing expression.

The Middle-aged Foreman beside them stared at Suye in disbelief. He had not expected a boy so young to hold his own against Kelton. It was something even he could not do.

Kelton raised his arms, and the two maids immediately approached to straighten his immaculate white robe.

He lifted his chin. "You're interesting. Tell me the recipe, and I'll give you a fair price."

"Eight hundred Golden Eagles. Not a single one less." Suye looked pained.

"Thirty," Kelton said.

Suye fell silent. It seemed this Kelton was even more formidable than the rumors claimed.

Kelton gave his arms a shake, and the two maids withdrew.

"Fifty Golden Eagles, plus you solve one person for me when it is within your ability," Kelton said.

Suye immediately countered, "Fine. Fifty Golden Eagles, plus you solve one person for me today."

Kelton burst out laughing. "Sharp-tongued. As long as your food recipe satisfies me, I can give you a satisfactory price. Besides, my patience is about to run out."

"Then let us sign a Four-God Contract," Suye said.

The Middle-aged Foreman flew into a rage and was about to step forward, but Kelton swept him with a glance from his Peripheral Vision. Terrified into silence, he stopped in his tracks.

"Fine. Someone," Kelton said, looking at Suye with great interest.

Suye nodded lightly, but secretly let out a sigh of relief. Everything he had done just now had been to demonstrate his value.

Kelton would not offend a vicious man like Lawrence over an uncertain food recipe. But if a valuable future Mage was added to the equation, that was another matter.

When a sixteen-year-old displayed traits that did not match his age, others saw immense value in him.

Soon, a maid brought parchment and a Charcoal Pencil. Suye and Kelton signed a Four-God Contract, writing the names of the four relevant deities at the end.

The first deity was Zeus, king of the gods, who witnessed all things.

The second was Themis, Goddess of Justice, who witnessed the contract.

The third was Athena, guardian deity of Athens City and Goddess of Wisdom, who witnessed all matters of Athens City.

For the fourth deity, they could choose Hermes, god of commerce and messengers, or Vulcan, god of craftsmen and flames. Suye chose the latter, and Kelton did not object.

The terms of the contract were simple. As long as Suye's food truly satisfied Kelton, Kelton had to meet Suye's requests when reasonable. If he refused, he would incur the gods' Wrath Fire.

Any contract involving deities was effective throughout Greece, and no one had ever dared to go back on a contract involving four gods.

Therefore, Suye was not afraid that Kelton would play Word Games. When the time came, he could ask a Temple Priest from the Four-God Temple to intervene. By then, it would no longer be a matter that Gold Coins could settle.

"It will be difficult to satisfy me." Kelton's tone brimmed with confidence.

Suye solemnly set the parchment aside. "I do not want to lie. I know this food's recipe and method, but I cannot guarantee success every time. Of course, with repeated attempts, we can ensure consistent success. However, I need five people with nimble wrists. They must be loyal and willing to remain at Dolphin River until the recipe is leaked."

"It seems you understand why I won't pay a high price," Kelton said.

Suye smiled. "Unless a legendary Archmage or Temple Priest uses the power of a god, no one can crack the secret of this food in a short time. Also, I have a personal request. I want to be allowed to purchase this food from your restaurant at cost in the future."

"As long as I am satisfied, nothing will be a problem. Hark, choose five trustworthy people," Kelton said.

Very soon, Hark led five sturdy adult men inside.

"To keep the secret, please find us a private room, preferably one close to the kitchen. Of course, as the future namer of this food, Mr. Kelton is also qualified to be present. At the same time, we need a Head Chef to taste and evaluate it. After all, I only possess the secret recipe. To achieve perfection, I will still need a chef's help. Next, I will explain exactly what must be prepared."

"Fine." Kelton glanced at the Middle-aged Foreman.

The Middle-aged Foreman immediately went to prepare everything Suye had requested.

Soon, Suye, Kelton, the Dolphin River Head Chef, and the five adult men entered a room beside the kitchen, while Hark stood guard outside the door.

Suye surveyed the room. Four tables had been pushed together, their surface covered with ingredients, seasonings, and kitchen tools.

Kelton had even hung a Magic Crystal Lamp above them. It was a luxury item fueled by Magic Crystals, worth at least fifty Golden Eagles.

Suye chose a spot and stood there, while the other five men also stepped up to the table.

Across from Suye, Kelton and Head Chef Master sat in chairs, quietly waiting.

Head Chef Master was a stern Middle-aged Man with fair skin and a thick black handlebar mustache that curled slightly upward. He appeared to be over forty, and his clothes were neat and clean.

His hands in particular were extraordinary. They were clearly covered in knife scars and calluses, yet they carried an indescribably refined cleanliness. The nails on every finger seemed precisely measured, each bearing only the faintest curved arc.

In Ancient Greece, chefs were also called head chefs. Besides cooking, they also served as butchers and conducted sacrifices, giving them relatively high status.

Master was the only person in Dolphin River Restaurant who did not need to act according to Kelton's mood.

In all matters related to the kitchen, Kelton obeyed Master without question.

That was because, while Master was not the finest chef in all Athens City, he possessed the keenest nose and eye. Any Dishes he praised would surely become hugely popular, while almost no one liked any Dishes he disliked.

Whenever Dolphin River developed new Dishes, Kelton would sincerely praise him, saying that if Greece held a food-tasting competition, Master would be the undisputed champion.