Chapter 32 - Autumn moon manor

As they feasted on the dishes Zhao Shi had prepared, Princess Ling couldn't help but express her delight.

"Umm, it's delicious," she praised, her voice filled with genuine admiration as she savored another bite of the perfectly seared fish.

Spark and Yuna exchanged amused glances as they watched the usually composed princess eagerly enjoy the meal. Despite her royal demeanor, she was devouring the dishes with the enthusiasm of someone deprived of such culinary pleasures for far too long. Each bite seemed to bring a new wave of enjoyment, her face lighting up with each burst of flavor.

Princess Ling, accustomed to her palace chefs' refined yet repetitive dishes, found Zhao Shi's cooking to be a refreshing and delightful change. Although she had tasted many fish dishes in the palace, none had captivated her palate like this. The flavors were rich and layered, the texture tender and perfectly cooked. She couldn't help but relish each mouthful, savoring the unique blend of spices and the expert sear that Zhao Shi had achieved.

Spark, observing her from the side, grinned mischievously.

"Princess, leave some food for us," he teased, his tone light and playful.

Startled by his comment, Princess Ling realized she had been eating with too much enthusiasm. A blush crept across her cheeks, and she quickly slowed her pace, covering her mouth with a napkin in an attempt to regain her composure.

"Apologies, that was rude of me," she said, her voice tinged with embarrassment. As a princess, she was unaccustomed to showing such unrestrained enjoyment, especially in front of others, and her soldiers were watching with barely concealed smiles.

Seeking to shift the focus away from her momentary lapse in decorum, Princess Ling turned her attention to Zhao Shi.

"Lord Spark's butler is not only a fighter but also a chef," she remarked, admiration clear in her voice.

Spark leaned back, a look of casual pride on his face. "I suppose that makes him multitalented,"

Intrigued and impressed, Princess Ling addressed Zhao Shi directly, her tone gracious. "What's your name? Seeing as you've cooked such a delicious meal for me, I can reward you."

Zhao Shi, who had been quietly standing behind Spark, stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Princess, I am called Zhao Shi," he responded humbly. "There is no need for the princess to give me anything. It is my duty as a butler to serve my young master's guests."

"Zhao hmm…That's a familiar name," Princess Ling appeared to contemplate and turned to the masked man behind her. "Did we have any family with the surname Zhao?"

Princess Ling's eyes widened as she listened to the masked man whispering in her ear. She glanced back at Zhao Shi, her expression a mix of curiosity and amazement.

"Are you perhaps the lord of Autumn Moon Manor?" Princess Ling asked, her tone holding a note of reverence.

Zhao Shi shook his head slightly, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Not anymore,"

Spark, who had been observing the exchange with growing curiosity, leaned in. "Autumn Moon Manor?"

Princess Ling turned her gaze to Spark, ready to enlighten him. "Does Lord Spark not know this? He is the Lord of Autumn Moon Manor, which is renowned across our Yan Empire. It's the finest establishment with the best cook in the entire empire."

In the Yan Empire, the Autumn Moon Manor was legendary. Its reputation for culinary excellence was unmatched. Nobles and royalty alike would travel great distances and wait in long lines just for a chance to dine there. It became a symbol of refined taste and extraordinary craftsmanship in the culinary arts.

"Oh, you're saying Butler Zhao was the owner of this famous manor?"

Princess Ling nodded. "Indeed. His reputation as a master chef was as great as that of any general or noble. Even the Father Emperor himself invited Zhao Shi to become the imperial chef before."

Spark, always one to seize an opportunity for amusement, couldn't help but chuckle. "So, our humble butler is a culinary legend. No wonder your cooking is so incredible."

Zhao Shi took Spark's praise with a slight nod.

Princess Ling looked at Zhao Shi with a hint of sadness. "From what I heard, the Autumn Moon Manor was shortly closed for unknown reasons, and its owner vanished without a trace."

Zhao Shi met her gaze, his expression reflecting a deep, unspoken history. "I felt it was time to move on. The manor was at its peak, but my desire to travel and learn was stronger. So, I closed it and left."

Yuna, who had been listening quietly beside Spark, frowned slightly but remained silent.