By noon, Luya's new-style Nouvelles restaurant, [At Table], had finally completed its preparations and was ready to open for business!
…
The hostess wore a black, high-collared chef's coat, her long golden hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders. Although Luya had merely given her a name for convenience's sake, the woman known as "Poissonniere de Nouvelles"—Anna—exuded an air of elegance and mystery.
Anna was the very image of a capable Western beauty. She gently opened the restaurant doors, a bright, lively smile blooming across her face.
The day's business had begun!
"Welcome to the [At Table] restaurant!"
Anna's voice was clear and pleasant, breathing joy into the air itself. Radiating confidence and professionalism, her bright eyes and gentle smile made everyone feel instantly at home. Whether taking orders or giving recommendations, she met every customer's needs with extensive knowledge and warm enthusiasm.
In the restaurant, Anna was in her element. Her mastery of fish dishes and her beauty alike had earned her the title "Poissonniere de Nouvelles." She could expertly handle all kinds of fish ingredients, transforming them into delectable culinary masterpieces. Her cooking skills were exquisite; her command over fish cuisine had reached true perfection.
…
Zhongli, having met countless people in his lifetime, could tell at a glance just how skilled Anna's culinary technique was. Thus, even before the others recovered from their daze over her beauty, he had already taken his seat.
He waved to Anna. "Hello... I'd like to order."
Anna immediately approached, deftly presenting the menu before him. Zhongli glanced through it and nodded slightly. "I'll take everything."
Seeing Zhongli order like that, Hu Tao instantly sensed trouble—this was clearly going on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's tab again.
She sighed in pain, but there was nothing to be done. Then again, if it meant Luya earned more money, she couldn't bring herself to mind. After all, it was just food expenses!
Fortunately, the [At Table] menu didn't yet have many dishes—only seven or eight—so Zhongli ordering them all wasn't too outrageous. Still, once the menu expanded in the future, things would be different!
For now, most dishes carried demonic blessings. They might appear ordinary, but infused with demonic power, they became incomparably delicious—like a magically enhanced "Omurice—become delicious!" meal. In short: absolutely divine flavor!
With a single "I'll take everything," Zhongli's order was decided. Other diners began arriving one after another, and Luya soon noticed Anna struggling to handle all the orders alone. He quickly drew several Monster Cards and used [Divine Hand] to manifest them!
He summoned [Dark Magician Girl] along with [Parlor Dragonmaid], [Laundry Dragonmaid], [Chamber Dragonmaid], and [Kitchen Dragonmaid]. Soon, five beautiful monsters appeared behind him. With that, the ordering process was well covered.
In the kitchen, with demonic helpers assisting, Anna and the Head Chef could easily complete all the dishes. As long as orders were handled efficiently, the restaurant could run perfectly fine.
Later, Luya would look into which other Monster Cards had high-level culinary skills to join the staff, but for now, the current team was more than sufficient.
…
With the Dragonmaids and Dark Magician Girl's help, order-taking went smoothly. Before long, Zhongli's dishes were served.
The restaurant currently had only two chefs—Anna and the Head Chef—so every dish on the menu was one of their specialties. Anna specialized in fish; the Head Chef excelled at meat.
[Marseille Fish Soup]
[Pan-Seared Salmon]
[Butter-Grilled Fish]
[Duck Confit]
[Head Chef's Special Roast Steak]
[Seared Foie Gras]
[Krabby Burger]
As the dishes were placed before him, Zhongli's eyes trembled slightly. The alluring aroma assaulted his senses. With one light sniff, he immediately sensed the extraordinary nature of these dishes.
And yet, Zhongli had no idea what they truly were! To uncover the secret, he would have to taste them himself.
He lifted a spoonful of [Marseille Fish Soup] and took a sip—then froze. The soup was unbelievably delicious. No heavy seasonings had been added, yet it possessed a magical depth that drew the soul in.
After finishing, Zhongli's eyes widened, his mouth half open as if to speak—but no sound came.
A look of admiration crossed his face. He closed his eyes, savoring the lingering flavor. After a long pause, he slowly exhaled and sighed deeply, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He had wholly surrendered to that divine taste.
In all his thousands of years of existence, never had Zhongli tasted such a soup. Even as a connoisseur, he could not find the words to describe it… for he could not discern the secret behind the [Marseille Fish Soup]'s heavenly flavor.
The secret was none other than the five-armed, adorable pink demon—Buerr. Buerr's presence elevated the flavor far beyond anything ordinary. Combined with Anna's mastery of fish cuisine—human and demon working in perfect harmony—the result was culinary perfection.
Next, Zhongli sampled each dish in turn: [Pan-Seared Salmon], [Butter-Grilled Fish], [Duck Confit], [Head Chef's Special Roast Steak], [Seared Foie Gras]. After finishing, he sighed.
"This Marseille Fish Soup… truly stunning. Its taste is rich and complex—every sip evokes the very breath of the sea."
"The duck confit's skin is crisp, the meat tender, melting on the tongue. The harmony of spices is exquisite—endlessly delightful."
"The roast steak's doneness is perfect; juicy and tender, with masterful seasoning—a work of art."
"The seared foie gras technique is remarkable… its crisp-yet-creamy texture utterly captivating."
As always, Zhongli's refined palate and insight into gastronomy impressed everyone. Hearing his high praise, the other diners eagerly anticipated their own meals.
Then, Zhongli noticed the [Krabby Burger]. It emitted a faint golden glow—different from all the others. He took a bite.
At once, he felt completely rejuvenated! Golden light began radiating from his body. Sensing something strange, Zhongli stared at the [Krabby Burger] in disbelief. His expression stayed calm, yet inside, he was stunned.
The erosion... seems to have faded a little!
If that were true, then by eating this daily, could the erosion vanish entirely?
After finishing his meal, Zhongli proceeded to pay. Dark Magician Girl approached with the bill, smiling.
"Mr. Zhongli, your total is 30.5 million Mora."
Every other guest was petrified in shock.
"What the—?!"
"A rip-off!!!"
"Dang! I can't afford that—I'm out!"
"Ahhhh!!! Mom! Help!!!"
"Is it too late to cancel my order..."
...
If you want to support, please consider Patreon, and read advanced chapters! Your support keeps this series going!
[Patreon.com/RedZTL]