Chapter 17

We arrive at Kansai Airport as we prepare to fly to Tokyo. Alfred booked VIP seats therefore we were waiting in the VIP lounge. The atmosphere in the VIP lounge was quite serene, and the furniture in the lounge gave off a luxurious yet cozy feeling.

I look around the lounge and see an extensive selection of food and drinks.

'Analyze'

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> Dish - Ham and cheese croissant

> Dish quality - 3/10

~ Ingredients - (butter)(flour)(sugar)(salt) (yeast)(milk)(Prosciutto ham)(Swiss Tilsit cheese)

~ Method - can be accessed through the system download function

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I look at the rest of the food and notice that most foods range from level 3-4.

'Hey Amara, this is what a so called VIP experience is. This is also typical in my old world'

'After all the high quality food I have eaten this week it makes me reluctant to eat food at this level' I comment inwardly after looking at the food, of which I decide to not indulge in.

[Since when did you become a snob Rin? ]

'I've been eating so much high-quality food of late so it's hard for me to even acknowledge foods of this level' I reply to Amara.

[True. Even I couldn't lower myself to eat this] The goddess replies with a critical tone.

After 40 minutes of lounging about, the boarding gates open and myself and Alfred board the plane. The VIP area in the plane was quite spacious with room between each seat. Each seat was quite large and had a desk which had multiple charging ports.

"Definitely better than the lounge" I whisper to myself as i sit down on my seat. 'Well, I guess I'll start reading a textbook' I say inwardly and open the textbook.

'Applications of herbs and spices' I read the title of the book and then open it. The book displayed the usage of herbs and spices in order to create flavour, aroma, colour and how it helps in enhancing and preserving food.

As I read the book, I also contemplate on the flavours from the dishes I have eaten throughout the week and the applications of herbs and spices in the food.

(AN: I think I put this in a chapter before, but the system has essentially created a library for Rin, giving him the ability to memorize anything he wants to. Although he cannot store the recipes for meals higher than his level, he can at least remember the taste/smell etc. of the dishes)

Whilst I read the herb section, I think of the eating experience I had with the pigeon dish and the applications of herbs in it.

'The coriander and thyme really complimented the garlic included in the pigeons seasoning.'

'But I feel like I'm missing something' I cannot help but think as I analyse the different seasonings used in other dishes I've eaten.

[Gastronomy level increased to level 5.]

Whilst I am analysing what i have been through so far in this world, I suddenly see a notification appear in front of my eyes.

'Finally!!' I shout inwardly as I try to contain my excitement.

[Congrats Rin! Do you feel anything different now?]

'Um, I don't feel any different' I cannot help but become disappointed at the lack of change.

[Hmm gastronomy is related to understanding food so it can be seen as quite a broad subject, so it's probably normal not to see a change straight away] Amara says as she tries to quell my disappointment.

*Sigh*

'I will just continue raising my skills then'. I try to continue reading but because of my disappointment I couldn't concentrate and had a nap.

"Sir, we have arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport" a flight attendant kindly says to me as I wake up.

As Alfred was seated away from me, it took him a little longer to get out. I see the old man looking around for me. "Alfred, to your left" I say it loud enough for him to hear.

He notices me and then walks towards me.

"Ah master Rin sorry for the wait" he bows slightly and apologizes.

"No need to bow, let's get our luggage" I reply to him with a smile and head towards the luggage pickup area.

Once we get both of our luggage, I hear Alfred. "Master Rin. There should be a driver waiting for us, so keep an eye out for him" Alfred says and then picks up his luggage.

"Yamashita-sama!" I hear a deep loud voice as we both go past the exit. A burly Japanese man approaches us.

"Yamashita-sama, nice to meet you. My name is Takeda Makato, but please call me Makato. I will be your driver today" the man bows after introducing himself.

As the man approaches us, I scanned his figure. He had long black hair tied into a knot, whilst he wore a black suit which complimented his well-built figure.

'Amara, this guy looks so much more professional than the last driver I had' I comment inwardly as I look at the driver.

[He's not as cute as the last driver though Rin]

'True' "Nice to meet you Makato" I return the greeting and then he leads us to a black Tesla. He takes my suitcase and then opens the back door for me.

'This is the first time I've gotten into a Tesla.' I admire the car's interior.

I look at Alfred and there is no change in his face 'Look at me getting excited. It must be normal for him' I comment at the old man's lack of reaction.

Makato gets in the car and then sets off. As we drive, I look outside the window and get reminiscent of my past life. I've missed Tokyo' I say to myself as I admire the surroundings.

We make small talk throughout the drive before we arrive at a large apartment complex in Shibuya City. Makato pulls the car into a private parking space and then leads us to the apartment.

Alfred unlocks the apartment, and once we walk in, he hands me the key.

"Master Rin, here's the key to the apartment. I need to run some errands. I hope you don't mind" Alfred then bows to me.

"No problem Alfred, I'll be having a bath and don't worry about organising dinner, I'll sort dinner out by myself" I smile as I respond to him.

He bows again and then leaves the condo, of which then I decide to explore. I walk through the entranceway and I'm greeted by a large living area with 2 large couches and a grand TV which was held on the wall.

The kitchen area is enormous and includes a large dining table. It has a rich and modern feel to it, and whilst the countertops were made of white marble, the cupboards were made of oak, giving it a modern yet rustic look. The center of the kitchen held 2 electric hob boards whilst the back of the kitchen had two large ovens.

"I really am living the dream" I say to myself as I admire the condo.