Chapter 6: The Chef

Chapter 6: The Chef

"Although the great nobles dislike mages, Master Plato is an exception. The old dean’s arrival will elevate Dolphin River’s reputation. However, how did you manage it?" Kelton asked.

"I will attempt to do so," Suye said firmly.

"I have tried," Kelton said with a half-smile.

"That is the second reason I sought you out, Kelton. I’ve heard that you briefly studied at Plato’s Academy. With your insight, you should clearly understand the future of mages," Suye said.

"You’re good at changing the subject. Let’s get back on track," Kelton skillfully steered the conversation.

Suye said, "This is the main point. Because I want to say that between you and me, there is not just a monetary transaction but also a value exchange. The friendship of a future mage is worth more than a thousand golden eagles. Any wise person with foresight would not focus solely on money."

"Thirty golden eagles. I believe you are also a wise person with foresight," Kelton’s face lit up with a smile again.

"In the future, I will certainly be wise; now, I only have foresight," Suye said without changing his expression.

The middle-aged supervisor looked at Suye in disbelief. He never expected that despite his young age, Suye could hold his own against Kelton, something even he couldn’t do.

Kelton raised his arms, and two maids immediately approached to help him adjust his pristine white robe.

He looked up and said, "You are quite interesting. Tell me the recipe, and I will give you a fair price."

"Eight hundred golden eagles, no less," Suye showed a pained expression.

"Thirty," Kelton said.

Suye remained silent, realizing that Kelton was even more formidable than rumored.

Kelton shook his arms, and the two maids stepped back.

"Fifty golden eagles, plus helping me deal with someone when you can," Kelton said.

Suye promptly replied, "Fine, fifty golden eagles, plus you helping me deal with someone today."

Kelton laughed heartily. "Sharp-tongued. If your culinary recipe satisfies me, I can offer a satisfactory price. Also, my patience is running out."

"Then let’s sign the Four Gods Pact," Suye said.

The middle-aged supervisor became furious and was about to step forward but was stopped by Kelton’s glance, which made him freeze in fear.

"Agreed. Bring someone here," Kelton looked at Suye with interest.

Suye nodded slightly but secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Everything before had been about showcasing his value.

Kelton wouldn’t offend a thug like Lawrence over an uncertain culinary recipe, but adding a valuable future mage changed things.

A sixteen-year-old displaying characteristics beyond his age was seen as highly valuable.

Soon, a maid brought parchment and a charcoal pen. Suye and Kelton signed the Four Gods Pact, writing the names of the four relevant deities at the end.

The first deity was Zeus, the king of gods, who witnesses everything.

The second deity was Themis, the goddess of justice, who witnesses the pact.

The third deity was Athena, the guardian and wisdom goddess of Athens City, who witnesses all matters in Athens City.

The fourth deity could be Hermes, the god of commerce and messengers, or Vulcan, the god of craftsmen and fire. Suye chose the latter, and Kelton did not object.

The pact was simple: if Suye’s culinary creation truly satisfied Kelton, then Kelton must fulfill Suye’s requests reasonably, or face divine wrath.

Any pact involving deities was effective in Greece, and no one dared to renege on a Four Gods Pact.

Thus, Suye wasn’t worried about Kelton playing word games. At that time, he could ask priests from the Temple of the Four Gods to intervene, making it a matter beyond gold coins.

"Satisfying me is difficult," Kelton spoke confidently.

Suye placed the parchment aside solemnly and said, "I don’t want to lie. I know the recipe and the 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, loyal and willing to stay at Dolphin River until the recipe is revealed."

"It seems you understand why I am not offering a high price," Kelton said.

Suye smiled. "Unless a legendary archmage or a temple priest uses divine power, no one can crack the secret of this dish quickly. Additionally, I have a personal request: allowing me to purchase this dish at cost price from your store in the future."

"As long as I am satisfied, everything is negotiable. Hake, select five trustworthy individuals," Kelton said.

Soon, Hake led in five robust adult men.

Suye said, "For confidentiality, please provide us with a separate room, preferably close to the kitchen. Naturally, Mr. Kelton, as the namer of this dish, has the right to be present. We also need a chef for tasting, as I only possess the secret recipe, and achieving perfection still requires a chef’s expertise. Next, I will specify what needs to be prepared."

"Agreed," Kelton glanced at the middle-aged supervisor.

The supervisor immediately prepared according to Suye’s instructions.

Soon, Suye, Kelton, the head chef of Dolphin River, and the five adult men entered a room adjacent to the kitchen, while Hake stood guard outside.

Suye glanced around the room where four tables were joined together, filled with ingredients, seasonings, and kitchen utensils.

Kelton had even hung a magical crystal lamp above, a luxury item fueled by mana crystals, worth at least fifty golden eagles.

Suye chose a position and stood there, while the other five moved to the table.

Across from Suye, Kelton and the head chef Master sat quietly in chairs, waiting.

Master, the head chef, was a middle-aged man with a serious demeanor, fair skin, and thick black mustaches that curled upward. He appeared to be in his forties, dressed neatly.

Especially notable were his hands, peculiar yet refined. Despite being scarred and calloused, they exuded a unique cleanliness, with each fingernail measured to a slight curve.

In Ancient Greece, chefs were also called “cooks,” responsible not only for cooking but also for butchery and sacrifices, holding a higher status.

Master is the only person at the Dolphin River Restaurant who doesn't have to watch Kelton's mood.

For everything related to the kitchen, Kelton follows Master's every word.

Because although Master is not the best chef in all of Athens City, he has the sharpest sense of smell and discerning eye. Any dish he praises is bound to be popular, and any dish he dislikes is rarely liked by others.

Every time the Dolphin River Restaurant comes up with a new dish, Kelton genuinely praises it. If there were a tasting competition in Greece, Master would undoubtedly be the champion.