Chapter 10 The Deal is Done

Chapter 10 The Deal is Done

Throw vegetables or beans into boiling water, add some herbs at the end, and serve it with barley bread—this was the staple dish for ordinary Greeks, eaten from childhood.

The five servants, despite being ravenously hungry, looked at the vegetable soup, which was much better than usual, without any appetite.

Kelton sighed and said, "With salad, I doubt anyone would want to drink this vegetable soup anymore."

"So, Suye is Prometheus in the culinary world," Master said with a happy smile.

Master looked at Suye and said with deep emotion, "I am a chef, but I have no interest in rituals or slaughtering. I only care about the joy on guests' faces when they taste exquisite food. I joined Dolphin River because Kelton gave me the greatest freedom. My biggest dream is to create a world-renowned dish. As I grow older, my dream seems farther away, but today, you helped me achieve half of it! Thank you, Suye. Your generosity has earned my lifelong friendship."

"You are too kind," Suye bowed slightly, showing perfect etiquette without a hint of pride.

Kelton snorted; Suye wasn't nearly as respectful toward him.

Suye turned his head, looking at Kelton with a hint of provocation in his eyes, and asked, "Is it fragrant?"

Kelton glanced at the Four-God Contract on the table and then at the two empty clay bowls.

"It's truly fragrant," he answered honestly.

Suye extended his hand, "One thousand golden eagles."

What tone is that!

Kelton gave Suye an annoyed look and said, "I will give you a satisfactory price, but based on my estimation, your bottom line should be around one hundred golden eagles, enough to pay off your debts. Besides, among the people you know, only I am willing to pay such a high amount in golden eagles."

"Yes, my bottom line is indeed one hundred golden eagles," Suye replied.

Kelton nodded lightly; the salad dressing recipe was valuable, but it couldn't be kept secret for long and would eventually be replicated, making its value short-lived.

Suye continued, "But what about Lawrence?" He then picked up a dried fig, slowly chewing it.

Kelton stared at Suye for a while.

"Even I didn't think of that," Master praised sincerely.

Kelton sighed, "Indeed, I underestimated you. I didn't expect you to think of this. Two hundred golden eagles, no more."

"Three hundred, I need living expenses," Suye said.

"Thirty years' worth of living expenses in one go?" Kelton had never seen such a greedy young man.

"Magicians are very expensive," Suye explained.

"Magicians also earn a lot," Kelton's tone carried a hint of something unusual.

"I hear a hint of regret in Mr. Kelton's voice. Now is the time to make amends," Suye said.

"You're craftier than a thieving rat. Indeed, if I could advance to the Saint Domain, I'd still choose to be a warrior, but below the Saint Domain, magicians earn more. However, three hundred golden eagles is too much; it's enough to buy your house," Kelton didn't expect Suye to notice his regret.

"But not enough to buy a magician's friendship," Suye countered.

"If you need money to open a restaurant, you must choose me as your first partner," Kelton said.

"That's your real goal, isn't it? I agree."

Kelton stood up, extending his right hand, "Two hundred golden eagles as payment, one hundred golden eagles as a loan, interest-free for ten years."

Suye stood up and shook Kelton's hand.

"Deal."

They smiled at each other, all previous discomfort dissipating.

Master nodded in satisfaction; Suye had made a good deal.

The five servants looked at Suye with envy and jealousy. They would never earn three hundred golden eagles in their lifetimes, yet Suye had done so in just half an afternoon.

The two continued chatting. Soon, the bronze warrior Hake entered carrying three large bags and placed them before Suye.

"Count them," Kelton said.

"I trust the boss of Dolphin River," Suye replied.

Kelton nodded in satisfaction, finding Suye's words increasingly pleasant.

Suye didn't even glance at the three bags of gold coins. He straightened his posture and said solemnly, "Mr. Kelton, let's talk business now."

Kelton looked puzzled and then said, "Everyone except Hake, leave."

"I look forward to your next culinary creation!" Master said with a smile as he left.

The five servants dared not wander and entered a nearby room.

Suye glanced at the expressionless Hake and then at Kelton, saying, "Congratulations, today you gained the naming rights to the salad dressing. In a few days, Kelton Salad will become famous in Athens City and spread rapidly. Then, not only will more nobles come to taste it, but even great nobles might owe you a favor for the recipe."

"You are far smarter than I imagined," Kelton's smile was faint.

"However, if you continue to work with me, you will gain access to more culinary delights, earning continuous fame. You will become a partner of the first restaurant in the noble district, a friend of a magician, and even gain greater power and status. Don't you agree?"

Kelton smiled and nodded, "There is some truth to that."

He was very pleased today.

"However, you might also suffer significant losses," Suye added.

"What losses?" Kelton looked at Suye warily.

"If I die at Lawrence's hands today, you will lose the future fame and culinary delights, the partnership with the top restaurant in the noble district, the friendship of a promising mage, and even more." Suye said.

Kelton fell silent once again.

"Speak. What do you want?" Kelton asked.

Suye secretly sighed in relief, thinking that indeed, few could ignore the aversion to loss.

All his previous efforts led to this moment.

Suye continued, "Please have Mr. Hake escort me to repay my debt, then take me home, and after that, leave me be."

"That is your true purpose, isn't it?" Kelton looked deeply into Suye's eyes.

"Yes." Suye popped a dark purple mulberry into his mouth.

Hake watched Suye quietly.

The room fell silent.

After a long while, Kelton said, "I can have Hake escort you home, but you must swear to do one thing for me."

"What is it?"

"Thwart someone's advancement, merely thwart it." Kelton said.

"What rank?"

"Silver or Gold. If it's Saint Domain, it won't concern you." Kelton's voice carried a hint of weariness.

"If given the chance, I will do everything in my power." Suye had no choice.

A glint flashed in Kelton's eyes as he said, "Hake, ensure Suye's safe return home. His life is now more important than mine."

"Yes!" Hake bowed immediately in response.

"Phew..."

Suye exhaled heavily.

"You're still young after all." Seeing Suye's slight lapse, Kelton was not displeased; instead, he was quite pleased.

This time, Suye did not scheme.

Because from the start, Suye knew that his chances of escape were minimal.

The escape plan he had devised was merely self-deception.

To give himself a sliver of hope.