NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 143: Ethereal Melody
Lucian gently placed the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, then looked at the hob to ensure the Fire Blossom Oil was ready for frying.
[System, how's the temperature?] Lucian asked.
[Host, the oil is at the optimal frying temperature — 350 degrees Fahrenheit.] The System replied after enveloping the pot in its Soul Power.
[Mn, thanks.] Lucian carefully lowered three dough balls into the hot oil, to prevent the pot from overcrowding.
*Szzz*
The dough balls sizzled upon contacting the hot oil.
While the dough balls were frying, Lucian kept an eye on the glaze, stirring it occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.
—-----------
Meanwhile, back in the Spatial Farm, a sudden change finally occurred as the ethereal music that echoed in the Artifact stopped, and mysterious pink lines spread across the surface of Lily's snow-white skin.
The process was so slow… painfully slow, but to the System's delight, each step was necessary.
'Once the Ethereal Melody Bloodline awakens, it will be followed by the creation and tempering of the Ethereal Melody Tendons, Ethereal Melody Bones, Ethereal Melody Mana Veins, and Ethereal Melody Mana Core. During the process, Lily cannot be disturbed, else the awakening will fail,' The System read aloud the information in front of it.
'Everything is going to plan. Now, all that's needed is the catalyst.'
—-----------
Back in the kitchen, Lucian flipped the dough balls to ensure they were cooked evenly to a beautiful golden color.
After they finished frying, using a slotted spoon, Lucian transferred the dough balls to a paper towel-lined baking tray, allowing any excess oil to drain.
The kitchen was now filled with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly fried dough balls and the floral scent of the glaze.
Soon, the aroma drifted into the dining area, eliciting gulps and rumbles.
"This fruity and floral aroma is incredible."
"My stomach is already rumbling!"
"Chef Lucian's dishes always impress!"
While they were speaking, Lucian had already placed another three dough balls into the hot oil.
He did the process of frying and draining another six more times, then turned off the hob, letting the oil cool down safely.
Now that all of the dough balls were fried, Lucian took out a large salad bowl from the cabinet and gently placed the warm, freshly fried dough balls into it, he poured the fragrant glaze over them. He then gently tossed the dough balls with a spatula, ensuring each one was evenly coated with the glaze.
With the same spatula, he quickly plated ten dishes, each plate had two glazed dough balls.
As the dishes were plated, the glaze instantly set.
However, Lucian did not serve the dishes immediately, as there was still one last step, he had to sprinkle the Sylph's Dust over the glazed dough balls.
After each glazed dough ball began shimmering, Lucian set the plates on the serving hatch and rang the bell.
"Those who ordered the Sweet Berry Cream Glazed Dough Balls, come and get it."
Before Lucian's voice faded, one of the plates of Sweet Berry Cream Glazed Dough Balls disappeared and repeated before Garm.
On the other hand, the Lion's Liver Adventurer Party and the four nobodies came up to receive their dishes.
"Only two dough balls? Chef Lucian, can you make a dish that can fill my stomach?" Garm said disappointingly, as he popped a glazed dough ball in his mouth. Instantly, an expression of pure bliss appeared on his face as his tongue came in contact with the floral fragrance. Unconsciously, his teeth scraped against the surface of the dough ball, producing an audible crunch.
He did not mean to bite into the dough ball, but he would be an idiot if he complained.
The Lion's Liver Adventurer Party and the four nobodies eagerly bit into the fragrant glazed dough ball, their eyes instantly lighting up in delight as they tasted the Sweet Berry Cream Glazed Dough Balls.
"It's delicious!" Hervy praised, and immediately after speaking, he shoved the other half of the glazed dough ball in his mouth.
"I didn't think it was possible, but Chef Lucian has done it again. It's incredible!" One of the nobodies shamelessly praised Lucian.
More words of exclamation and shouts were bombarded at Lucian, but he ignored them as he intensely looked at the glazed dough ball in his hand.
[What do you think, System? Did I do the recipe justice?] Lucian asked as he gently knocked against the glazed dough ball with his knuckle. When he felt a hard resistance against his knuckle, he nodded in satisfaction. He then pulled the glazed dough ball in half and checked the interior. The interior was fluffy, and warm steam drifted out.
Lucian took a deep whiff and nodded, with a pleased smile, at the smell of freshly baked bread.
'Not bad. The glaze has beautifully set to the point where my knuckle is still clean. The exterior of the dough ball is crispy, and the interior is fluffy and cooked perfectly.'
After storing the plate of Sweet Berry Cream Glazed Dough Balls in its Inventory, instead of replying to its Host's question, the System asked, [Host, why did you only just check whether the dough balls were to your satisfaction?]
[Only amateurs doubt their ability! Even if something were wrong with my dish, they don't possess the ability to decipher it. Most importantly, all of my dishes are perfect!] Lucian said matter-of-factly, then placed one-half of the glazed dough ball into his mouth.
As he bit into it, a burst of flavor erupted in his mouth. The sweet berry glaze that had already set turned liquid in an instant when it came in contact with the heat from his mouth. The glaze's potent peach blossom flavor paired perfectly with the crispy and fluffy dough ball.
That piece of Sweet Berry Cream Glazed Dough Ball was delicious beyond words. Discover hidden stories at empire
Lucian licked his lips clean of the delicious glaze and shoved the other half into his mouth.
[Lily would definitely love this!] Lucian said tenderly as he imagined Lily frolicking around the Spatial Farm chased by Osiris, while she ate the Sweet Berry Cream Glazed Dough Balls. Accompanied by her beautiful melodic giggles would be a scene worth watching.
Unbeknownst to Lucian, Lily lay unconscious on the ground in the Spatial Farm. Her beautiful snow-white skin was marred with mysterious pink lines. Her once cheerful and loveable atmosphere was nowhere present, replaced by a chill that could freeze one's body and Soul in an instant.
[Host, well said! As the future Transcendent Chef, you must be full of confidence! Other than you, who can excel in all cuisine!? Who can decipher what is perfection!? No one but you can!] The System praised him. [But do remember Host, confidence must be backed with unparalleled skill.]
[Mn,] Lucian nodded his head, as he finished the second glazed dough ball, he then washed his hands and dried them with a towel.
Lucian then checked the timer on the sous vide machine.
'There's still twenty minutes left.'
Lucian momentarily thought of entering the Spatial Farm but decided against it. At any moment, other James, Garm, and Albert, the others would leave. Therefore, he had to be present to receive their payments.
I'll just wait here.'
Saying so, Lucian unabashedly sat cross-legged on Lily's bed and watched her beautiful face.
There was a saying that beautiful things should be appreciated, so of course, he would do just that.
—-----------
Somewhere in the First Layer of the Mortal Hell, in the back garden of the Ravenscroft Family, underneath a towering ten thousand-foot-tall Crying Ember Tree, was a vast dark plain filled with Magical Herbs and Resources.
The towering tree was obsidian in color, its appearance perfectly blended with the dark and ghastly environment of the Mortal Hell.
The tree was given its name due to the periodic black teardrops that fell from its canopy that stretched for many miles.
Each teardrop was seven feet tall and four feet in width. As the teardrops fell they were accompanied by the shrill cries of an old woman.
It was a terrifying place to be. Despite the allure of the garden and its vast resources, no one dared to step foot there. Even without mentioning the terrifying Ravenscroft Family, who were one of the four strongest Families, second only to the First Layer Ruler — Baron Vaelgor Draven — just the teardrops that fell could vaporize anyone below the Bone Tempering Realm with its ghastly aura alone.
Even if one could withstand its aura, the teardrops of the Crying Ember Tree, falling from such a height, would crush them to death. Then, there were the Magical Beasts that roamed the place, the Magical Herbs, which had a life and Mage Rank of their own, as well as the gardeners, who were all at the Mana Core Formation Realm.
Currently, the gardeners were out in the garden, each one emitted a terrifying aura, causing the Magical Beasts to whimper with their heads down and the Magical Herbs obediently let themselves be picked.