Primordial Draconic Incubus With A Gourmet Chef System

They were worlds apart.

Thus, Carlton changed the way he addressed the young man. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

But for Duan Mu, the sudden elevation was overwhelming. Just hours ago, he was a cripple, looked down upon by all, his family on the verge of death, and his restaurant soon to be taken away.

Yet… now…

It was too much for someone like him.

Carlton merely smiled and gave him a knowing look before respectfully bowing again.

"Please follow me."

Carlton then led them past the beautiful front garden and into the mansion.

Walking past the flight of stairs, Lucian raised an eyebrow but did not speak his mind.

Certainly, it was true that Lucian was in a hurry to increase his Mage Rank, but as the saying went, you should not slap the hand that feeds you.

Lucian was given a roof over his head, a butler who would attend to any of his needs, and guards who would protect him,

So, at the very least, he should accept their hospitality and the banquet, James and Carlton had prepared for them.

Before long, Carlton led the three of them to a grand dining room.

"Thank you for accepting our invitation, Senior," Carlton said gratefully.

Initially, Carlton had already been prepared for Lucian to decline the invitation, as he had done previously, but seeing as he did not refuse this time brought great joy to the former.

Carlton then pulled out a chair and motioned for the masked young girl to sit.

"Thank you, Sir Carlton," Lily said as she sat down.

Carlton, however, became flustered at the formal address. He quickly shook his head and waved his hands in protest. "Young Miss, please call me Carlton. I am unworthy of such formal titles."

Meanwhile, after two servants pulled out a chair for Lucian and Duan Mu, they sat down.

Seeing Lily looked as though she was in a dilemma, Lucian helped her out.

"Sir Carlton, it's not as if she is calling you Master. Take it as a sign of respect."

Carlton became even more troubled now that even Lucian addressed him so formally.

'What would Master think once he hears this? I must quickly-"

But after a single glance at the latter's indifferent face, Carlton sighed and nodded.

"Very well." Carlton bowed his head. "Thank you for bestowing me with such great honor."

After that, Carlton excused himself with a bow and left to inform the chefs of the group's arrival.

"Master." Duan Mu said after Carlton's figure disappeared from the dining room. "This… all of this… I'm not deserving of any of it."

Lucian glanced at him and then shrugged.

"If you think you're unworthy, then become worthy. It's that simple."

"But-" Duan Mu wanted to argue it was not simple at all, but before he could, his Master interrupted him, "Deserving or not. You're here now. You accepted to become my disciple. Now use the opportunity wisely."

Lucian continued, "There are many who would wipe out Universes to be in your position."

Lucian was not exaggerating. However, Duan Mu thought otherwise.

Even so… Duan Mu understood his position was enviable by many.

Just then, many fragrances seeped through the crevices of the door and into the dining room.

Roasted meats.

Fresh seafood

Sweet pastries.

Alcohol

Fruit drinks.

As Duan Mu smelled the fragrances, excitement appeared on his face.

"Are these dishes for us? They smell wonderful."

As soon as those words left his lips, the door was pushed open, and the fragrances became more apparent.

Accompanying the fragrances were ten servants, carrying a tray in each hand.

The dishes were a feast for the eyes as well as the nose. Succulent roasted lamb seasoned with aromatic spices, perfectly seared fish glistening with oil and herbs, sweet pastries with strawberry filling, transparent glasses filled with ruby red wine, and multicolored fruit juices.

"Haha, of course, these dishes are for you three. Please, dig in." Carlton said as the servants served the dishes.

These dishes were all prepared by the chefs hand-picked by James Orchard himself. They had even served royalty, nobility, and even powerful Mages.

The food they cooked was always delicious and had never once disappointed his Master.

Though… recently, a certain someone changed the status quo.

Turning to the aforementioned person, Lucian, despite expecting it, Carlton could not help but sigh softly.

The reality was hard to swallow.

There was no excitement on his face, not even a flare of his nostril. He remained indifferent.

"These dishes… they were prepared by Sir James' hand-picked chefs." Carlton smiled wryly. "I hope they are to your liking."

Lucian, who had been silent from the beginning, nodded his head slowly. There was a brief pause as he chose his words carefully.

"They look great." Lucian then took a sip of the fruit juice. "Sir James' chefs are better than most."

The words were simple, but coming from someone like Lucian, they should have held considerable weight… yet… Carlton did not feel joy.

The chefs hidden behind the door, peeking in through the gap of the slightly ajar door, sighed as their shoulders slumped.

[What did we expect?]

[At least Chef Lucian praised our food... even if it's not his real opinion.]

They knew in their heart that this praise was not sincere. It was forced. Lucian's culinary skills and palate were far superior.

So… how would he appreciate such mediocre food?

Just then, Lucian's voice sounded out, breaking them from their disappointment.

"Sir Carlton, if you don't mind, can you please leave the room?" Lucian said before glancing at Lily, who was sitting beside him.

Upon hearing this and noticing the obvious hint, Carlton immediately understood and readily agreed. "Of course. We will be waiting outside. If Senior, Young Miss, or Sir Duan has any requests, just shout. Please enjoy."

Immediately after speaking, he respectfully bowed low and left the room alongside the servants, closing the door along the way.

As soon as they left, Runic Symbols crawled up the walls before interlocking with one another.