Da-da-da-dum! Da-da-da-dum! Da! Da!!
Ta-ta-ta-tum! Ra-ta-ta-tum! Bam! Bam!!
Boom-boom ta-ta-tum bam-ba ta-ra-tum ta-ta-ta-ram-tum da-da-da-da-dum!
The lively sound of the piano echoed throughout the restaurant hall.
A dapper chef, immaculately dressed in a white shirt and vest, rolled up his sleeves and started cooking to the rhythm of the music.
Shrrrring. Shrrrring.
Honing his knife,
Thump, thump.
Tapping the cutting board,
Swish, swish.
Blending spices and simmering the sauce,
Sizzle!
He returned the meat, which had been resting momentarily in melted butter, to the pan and added more butter to heighten its flavor.
His motions were fluid and effortless, even while dressed in a suit.
As he cooked, the enticing scent gradually wafted from the kitchen to the dining area.
"Hmmm……."
The chef who was also the restaurant owner grinned contentedly as he arranged the finished dish on a plate.
Then he added garnish and drizzled his special sauce over it.
The final presentation resembled a stunning masterpiece.
It was truly magnificent.
"Sorry for the wait," said the chef who crafted the impeccable steak.
He set the plate on the table with refined, adept movements that matched his polished appearance.
The guests would naturally feel gratified by the service.
However, this guest who knew the identity of the chef and the dish couldn't feel much excitement.
"Are you not going to have some?"
The chef, seated across from the guest, asked as he tasted his cooking. Despite his lean and toned physique, he seemed to genuinely enjoy the food.
"I have no taste for human flesh… You go ahead and enjoy it."
Upon hearing the guest's response, the chef sliced a small piece of the carefully cooked thigh meat, skewered it with a fork, and savored it.
"Uhm… I always enjoy my food. Food is a great blessing."
Swallow. Swallow. Gulp.
The chef sliced another piece and took a bite, his face radiating immense satisfaction and pleasure.
It was incredible how such a stern face could wear such a smile just for food.
The chef explained the reason himself.
"Especially since I've experienced hunger, I know how much of a blessing food is and how great a privilege it is to have a delicious meal. Heaven is not far away. This is heaven… Are you sure you're not going to taste it?"
"I'll just take your kind gesture."
"Hmm, I suppose that can't be helped."
After finishing his portion, the chef took the plate that was placed in front of the guest and began eating it himself.
"Waste is a sin. Well, it's not a big problem since Puppet will use it in other ways."
The guest… No, Puppet remained silent.
Observing Puppet, the chef, or rather, Human-meat Chef, asked:
"So, what brings you here? It's been more than 10 years since we last met in person."
"15 years. I came because I have a favor to ask."
"A favor?"
"Yes, your disciples were sent to Landa, right?"
Clatter. Clatter.
Human-meat Chef continued to cut the meat without missing a beat and brought it to his mouth. Chewing and swallowing the food.
"Well, I don't recall that… However, it's possible that some overly devoted kids acted on their own accord."
"I see. Then you should have no problem fulfilling my request to stop opposing the Crime Firm."
"Hahaha. That might be difficult."
Chef replied while drinking aged bloody wine that was mixed with blood. He smiled faintly.
"Although they are fools who act impulsively, their actions are rooted in loyalty. As their master, shouldn't I avenge my disciples?"
"It doesn't seem like you care about that duty."
"True, but isn't that reason enough for me to act?"
"When did you start caring about reasons?"
"I started caring when there was something I wanted. Don't you know that?"
"I'll give you what you desire."
Abruptly, Chef, who had been skillfully handling his knife, paused.
"…What do I desire?"
"Isn't it the mummy of the sorcerer king buried in the desert that your disciples were after?"
"…Continue."
"I negotiated with the Crime Firm and purchased the item. I have my own uses for it, but I'm willing to give it to you."
Chef had no choice but to remain silent when his desires were accurately identified. Even among those who lived for centuries, there were disparities in experience.
"That's a generous offer. Negotiation would come at a cost, right?"
"Are you concerned about my finances?"
"Ah, I apologize. I may have viewed it from my own perspective… Is there anything I can do in return?"
"Nothing. Just don't interfere in this matter and lose interest in Landa. I've taken a liking to that place recently."
"Interest? I'm not sure if that's fortunate or unfortunate… Is it because of that Solver? That… Dave?"
"……."
"While I may not be as well-informed as you, I have many sources. Since he defeated my disciples, I should at least know his name. Oh, speaking of which, didn't you meet that guy?"
"Yes, he was quite an interesting fellow."
"Hmm… And yet you spared his life. I'm curious too."
"I am also curious."
"… Excuse me?"
"While they are forming new teams in Gallos to target you, you're causing a commotion in the United Kingdom."
“Do you think I would be afraid of them?”
"It's not your usual cautious approach… Oh, is it a present for your lovely younger sister?"
Chef's emotions surged, and a black light emanated from his body, slicing through the surroundings like a blade.
The emotion blade that materialized in a moment of fury carved through the air, leaving deep marks on the marble floor, walls, and columns.
There was a threatening chill in the air. But surprisingly, this was a restrained display of emotion.
As evidence, Puppet didn't even flinch.
"Did I upset you? I apologize. If you want to kill me, go ahead. We've tried it a few times before, haven't we?"
"…That is not my intention. I am just clumsy with emotional control. Please understand."
"I understand. And I apologize for casually mentioning your family. Will you forgive me?"
"…Yes."
As Puppet straightened his posture, he inquired,
"I am relieved. Now, what about my request?"
"I have no choice but to comply. Who am I to refuse?"
"Thank you. Now, I must be on my way."
"Before you leave, I have a question for you."
"For me?"
"Yes. You are the longest-living member of the Black Hand and the only one with whom I can have a proper conversation."
"What are you curious about?"
"The prophecy of the Sleeping Princess has finally begun."
"Did you visit the forest?"
"No, I did not. But I recall what she said in the past. If a giant hole appears at the end of the world, the clock will start ticking… Hypocrites are controlling it, but I've confirmed it. They say the entrance to hell has opened there. What do you think, Puppet? Does it seem like the promised day has arrived?"
"Well, what I have learned from living a long time is that nothing can be certain. All we can do is prepare and be cautious."
"If you discover anything later, please inform me. I will cooperate. After all, I want to live too."
"If I find out."
Puppet left with that one remark. Only Human-meat Chef remained in the huge restaurant hall.
Looking at the meat on the fork, he said,
"Soon our time will come."
He then put the meat in his mouth and chewed.
⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩
“Are you back to work?”
Inside the Magic Tower compound, the Elemental Tower, Kevin, with red skin and neatly tied long black hair, greeted Oliver as he visited the lab situated at the end of the most secluded corridor.
"Yes, Professor. Have there been any problems in the meantime?"
"What do you think?"
Kevin asked, and Oliver observed him.
He was struggling with a considerable number of documents.
"You appear to be quite busy."
"Exactly. If you came to assist, please do so."
"Yes."
Oliver immediately took off his coat and approached.
Hundreds of documents, all with the same format.
“All of these are application forms for classes that will be held this semester. Can you see the class application section here?”
"Yes, Professor."
"Divide them equally by subject and arrange the names alphabetically. Then check the students' personal information and record it according to what's written in this memo. Can you do it?"
Kevin gave a short and clear command, and Oliver gladly accepted the task.
No matter what the process was, Oliver wanted to do some work as a Magic Tower employee.
It seemed a bit strange to use the facilities and receive a salary without doing any work. Of course, it was not something Oliver, who had been absent for several days, should say.
"If you make even a slight mistake…"
"Yes, Professor? Is there a problem?"
Kevin started to warn Oliver about the importance of doing the job properly but quickly stopped as he saw Oliver working.
This was because Oliver was sorting the documents as efficiently and skillfully as someone who had worked in an office for several years.
“Have you worked in this field before?”
"Only for a few days."
"A few days?"
Kevin asked, and Oliver nodded.
After completing Jonathan's request for the recovery of auction items and the capture of the Human-meat Chef's subordinates, Oliver immediately began his next job.
That job was to go to District X with Forrest and inform the Fighter Crew members of the current negotiations with the Crime Firm.
It wasn't a significant issue since Gordon Goodheart, the director of the Crime Firm, persuaded the other directors to provide conditions satisfactory to the Fighter Crew members.
The problem was only Forrest, who had to manage this in the future, and Oliver, who had to improve their skills to meet the Crime Firm's requirements.
It was not an easy task.
So, Oliver and Forrest went to District X almost daily for a few days to train the Fighter Crew members.
Just like when he first taught Joe, they couldn't even extract emotions properly, and a large number of people made it even more difficult.
In addition, Oliver had to help Forrest with his paperwork.
Thanks to that, Oliver was incredibly busy, but he was able to quickly understand the context, importance, and tips of the task.
"I've finished the first classification,"
Oliver said after neatly dividing the cluttered documents into three groups.
"I have divided the 13th-grade class [Introduction to Fire Magic and Basics], the 14th-grade class [Basic Application of Code Language], and the 15th-grade class [Magic Combat Basics]. I will organize the detailed information and submit it before lunchtime."
Considering it was now 10:20 am, it was quite a tight schedule.
However, it was nothing for Oliver, who organized the documents of around three hundred Fighter Crew members with Forrest and Al.
Kevin looked at Oliver once and said, "Just give it to me by 3 pm today. It's better than making mistakes in a hurry."
Oliver had no intention of making a mistake, but he replied without adding any remarks.
Having worked on paperwork with Forrest and Al, he learned that it was better to follow orders and respond accordingly rather than give unnecessary opinions.
"Then, may I take the materials to the staff room and check them?"
"Yeah. Just don't lose them."
"Yes, I understand… May I ask one question?"
After the immediate task was finished, Oliver cautiously asked.
Kevin looked slightly annoyed but still asked.
"What is it?"
"You said you didn't originally plan to teach classes, but can I ask why you suddenly decided to teach so many?"
"Well… I'd like to know too. Why did the Ice Princess say she would take my class?"
"Ice Princess?"
"Yes, the young lady who came to ask for the class schedule on your first day at work. She said she wanted to take my class."
(To be Continued)
OR
$5/month6 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$15/month12 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$30/month19 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$45/monthAll advance chap + 6 chap/week
