Chapter 44: Serving the Dishes

Chapter 44: Serving the Dishes

Even Hutton’s smile vanished abruptly. Though he was young, he understood very well what the Pandion family meant and how significant it was for Kelton and this restaurant to catch the attention of such influential figures.

The waiter’s tone was normal, but everyone could sense an added hint of arrogance when he mentioned the “Pandion family.”

“Well then… let’s order something else.” Harmon managed to keep his composure, though his voice was tinged with regret.

He quickly ordered some dishes and handed the wax tablet menu back to the waiter.

Just as the waiter was about to turn away, Suye’s voice echoed in the room.

"Waiter, we still want the Kelton Salad, but please tell Master Chef that it’s Suye ordering." Suye said.

"Do you know Master?" The waiter’s attitude became noticeably warmer.

"We’ve worked together." Suye nodded.

"Rest assured, I will convey your message." The waiter showed immense respect to Suye, despite knowing that Harmon was wealthier.

As the waiter left, the three people in the room stared at Suye in amazement.

Even though Harmon’s legs were numb from standing, he didn’t want to sit down.

Harmon was wealthy, comparable to a minor noble, but he wasn’t a mage or a warrior himself, and being a foreigner, his status in Athens was low. This was why he spent a fortune sending Hutton to Plato’s Academy for education.

No matter how hard he tried, due to his foreign status, Harmon found it difficult to establish connections with powerful individuals or nobles.

Master Chef, although not as wealthy as Harmon, held a position of considerable importance. In Greece, only native citizens could serve as chefs with sacrificial duties, and their relationships with the priests of major temples were extraordinary.

He was someone Harmon couldn’t afford to offend.

"Suye, how do you know Master Chef?" Harmon asked cautiously.

Suye replied honestly, "We’ve only met once. My parents are bakers, and they once worked with him."

"Oh, I see." The three exchanged glances, relieved, and slowly sat down.

Hutton hesitated for a moment before asking, "You really only met once?"

Suye affirmed, "Yes, we only met once and had one meal together. We haven’t seen each other since."

Hutton gave his father a meaningful look.

Harmon nodded, visibly more relaxed.

"Keep your wine cup ready." Harmon reminded him.

Suye picked up the large black clay wine cup, glanced at the bottom, looked at the three people, and placed it on his right side.

Hutton sat to Suye’s right.

Senet slowly put away his dagger and frowned, deep in thought.

Time passed slowly, and dishes continued to be served. The three ate silently, except for occasional comments from Suye that made them uncomfortable.

Suddenly, voices outside grew louder.

"Master!"

"Master Chef!"

"What luck today…"

"I heard he is the creator of the Kelton Salad."

Then, the door opened.

A strong smell of kitchen smoke filled the room.

A middle-aged man in a white short tunic stood at the doorway, wearing a large apron stained with various marks. His face showed signs of fatigue, but his curled mustache and joyful eyes gave him a slightly refreshed appearance.

"Little Suye, why didn’t you let us know you were coming? It’s been so busy today; don’t blame us for not treating you well at Dolphin River." Master, who rarely smiled, personally carried a clay bowl of salad into the room, greeting Suye warmly.

"Good evening, Master. I received the invitation suddenly and had to come," Suye smiled and stood up.

Master set down the clay bowl of salad, opened his arms, but said, "You can see how I look; I won’t hug you. Enjoy your dinner, and if there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, tell the waiter. It’s been too busy today; we’ll talk later."

"Sure, go ahead with your work."

Master patted Suye’s shoulder with a smile and walked out briskly.

The three people stared at Suye in disbelief.

This is called meeting just once?

Others might not know, but Harmon was well aware that Master always believed the kitchen was everything. He dared to reprimand even Kelton; how could he be so enthusiastic towards someone he had only met once? And to personally bring the salad?

Not even Kelton got this treatment!

"The salad is excellent; try it." Suye picked up a bit and tasted it, nodding lightly. It was delicious, undoubtedly made by Master himself. The ratio of vegetables and dressing was perfect.

The three sat in silence for a while before slowly tasting the salad.

"So good…" Hutton’s taste had fully adapted to Greek cuisine.

"Not bad." Harmon nodded.

Senet nodded slightly, finding the taste quite novel, though not entirely to his liking.

After finishing the salad, Harmon looked at the black clay wine cup and then at his foolish son. A look of hesitation flashed across his face as he pondered the consequences of offending Master. He realized that Master might not necessarily oppose him for Suye's sake. Even if they did become adversaries, the worst would be that he wouldn't be welcome at Dolphin River; it wouldn't escalate to using personal connections to have priests suppress him.

Moreover, for him, dealing with priests wasn't difficult. As long as he was willing to make donations at the temple, he would likely be forgiven.

Finally, he gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, stared at Suye, and said slowly, "Since we've finished eating, it's time for you to make a choice."

"What choice?" Suye asked.

"Friend or wine cup." Harmon's voice was icy cold, no longer maintaining the gentle tone he had earlier when he felt certain of victory.

"Can I choose neither?" Suye asked.

"No!" Harmon said.

"I think I can," Suye smiled.

Harmon turned to look at Senet beside him.

To both Harmon and Hutton's surprise, Senet didn't stand up immediately but hesitated for several seconds before slowly pulling out his dagger.

Harmon's heart sank, realizing that Senet had been influenced by Master and the power behind him in Kelton.

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

Harmon knew full well that he could never reach Kelton's status in his lifetime, though perhaps his son still had a chance.

Thinking of this, Harmon glanced at his disappointing son and cursed inwardly. If it weren't for Hutton, he wouldn't want to offend any student from Plato's Academy, even someone as likely to be expelled as the third fool.

Once Senet stood up, Harmon couldn't help but say, "Senet, don't overthink it. I've investigated his background; he's just the son of a baker. Even if he knows Master, it's only a casual acquaintance. There's no powerful figure backing him."

Senet hadn't expected Harmon to lose his composure so quickly and remained silent, nodding slightly.

Feeling relieved, Harmon focused on Suye again, revealing a menacing expression for the first time. He said sternly, "Since you've chosen the path to the underworld, don't blame me. Tell us, will you do it yourself, or shall we help you?"

At that moment, the door to the room suddenly swung open with a loud bang.