A Weird Family

After the water began simmering, Lucian placed a tablespoon of Starlight Vinegar and swirled the mixture until a tornado formed. Gracefully, he cracked the egg into the saucepan and watched as Celestial Energy flew from his hands and into the saucepan, swirling around the egg as it began to poach.

As the egg was poaching, Lucian grabbed his knife, watching as the Celestial Energy from his hands covered the knife in a blanket of stars. With each chop, the Netherbane Chives gave off a resplendent multicolored glow.

After two minutes, the poached egg was ready. Lucian gently lifted the egg with a perforated spoon, letting the Mana Water fall into the saucepan before placing it on a pristine white, gold-rimmed plate. He grabbed the Frostfire Black Pepper Grinder, letting it be enveloped in stars before twisting the grinder once.

Then, next came the Dragon Fly Salt and a sprinkle of Netherbane chives.

The aroma that now filled the kitchen was intoxicating.

Through the cracks of the kitchen door, the smell wafted into the dining area.

Unconsciously, Lily inhaled deeply, the scent making her mouth water.

Lucian carried the plate to the woman's table, presenting it with a flourish as he set the plate before her.

"Your Siren's Melody Poached Egg, Miss. Please, enjoy."

Lily was completely entranced by the Siren's Melody Poached Egg. The dish looked as though it should be placed in a museum.

The mellow smell of the poached egg and the garnishes caused her to swallow her saliva in spite of herself. 

Unconsciously, she nodded and courteously said:

"Thank you, big brother."

For a moment, Lucian's body stiffened, not expecting to be called big brother. However, he did not mind. It was not as if the term 'big brother' was rude. Also, being called big brother by a beautiful-sounding woman was not bad.

In fact, he quite liked it.

'Is she going to take off her mask to eat? Takeout is not permitted.'

Suddenly, the System solemnly said:

'Host, currently Transcendence does not have a rule that prohibits takeout.'

Hearing the System's words, Lucian furrowed his brows and thought back to earlier today. Soon, he realized that although he had stated takeout was not allowed, he did not officially make it a rule.

'Would the host like for me to add a new rule prohibiting takeout?'

'Yes.'

Although allowing patrons to take food to their homes could increase sales. 

He had no means to prevent patrons from buying food and giving it to someone else or sharing their food with another.

For now, Lucian was satisfied with prohibiting takeout. In the future, he would utilize Runic Symbols that prevent patrons from breaking his rules. Then, takeout would not be an issue.

At the moment, he was too weak to inscribe Runic Symbols.

Suddenly, a new rule mysteriously appeared on the restaurant's menu. 

'Fifth Rule:

Takeout is not allowed.'

Soon, Lucian got his answer to his earlier question.

Lily looked at the owner and frowned. She was hesitating whether she should remove her mask. But as the smell from the Siren's Melody Poached Egg continued to flow into his nose, her hesitance vanished like the wind.

The delicious aroma and the warmth that enveloped her body were too hard to resist.

'Lily hopes Big Brother doesn't find out.'

After a determined sigh, Lily reached up and slowly removed her mask and bamboo hat, revealing a stunning, porcelain doll-like face and big, bright, curious eyes.

Lucian gave her a look, and for a few seconds, he was stunned. Not because the woman was beautiful and cute but because he had expected her to be a hulking, muscular Orc. 

If Sylvia was a femme fatale who could command any man to do her bidding without a single word, then this woman was the epitome of cuteness, evoking in others the desire to protect and shield her from any harm.

Her skin was as white as snow, contrasting with the black robe that covered her body. Bright pink hair framed her face and fell down to her waist. Her large eyes were a mesmerizing bright pink.

In terms of appearance, she did not lose out to Luna, Isabella, and Sylvia. 

A floral scent naturally emitted from her body, reminding Lucian of the Pixie Race. Pixies were the guardians and caretakers of World Trees. Normally, they would stay within the World Tree's dimension and rarely, if ever, leave the dimension or show themselves to others. Another notable characteristic of the Pixie Race was that they were all mischievous and playful.

But what caused Lucian to be confused was that the woman did not have the characteristic long, pointy ears and translucent wings of Pixies.

'What an abnormal family. One was cursed by the Abyss and became an Abyssal Orc, while the other is an Orc with a Pixie Bloodline.'

'Are their parents an Orc and a Pixie? And how did Garrett get cursed by the Abyss?'

Lucian was quite curious about this weird family. But not to the point where he would go out of his way to ask them. He was not nosy.

When Lily felt the owner's eyes on her, she frowned and glanced up at his face. Yet, instead of the lust and desire she had expected to see in his eyes and expression, there was only confusion and appreciation for a few seconds before his expression changed to indifference.

Lily rolled her eyes, and her frown turned into a cute pout.

No woman would find a man staring at them with lust and desire attractive. It would only evoke discomfort and disgust within them.

Yet, the owner's eyes and expression caused her to feel a slight heat creep up her cheeks.

*Guruguru*

Hearing her stomach suddenly rumble, Lily's blush deepened.

From on top of the table, she picked up her spoon and knife and cut into the poached egg. The yolk, infused with the owner's multicolored Element oozed out like a liquid starry river.

A rich fragrance and warm air burst from the incision, impacting her face.