Chapter 36: Heading back to the inn

Max departed from the kitchen, his anger simmering just below the surface. The soldiers who had been assigned to guide him out of the mansion also left, leaving behind only Nois, the head butler, and the two chefs.

Chef Frank couldn't contain his enthusiasm, "Thank you, Head Butler Nois, for your benevolence. With this opportunity in our hands, we can elevate our reputation in a noble society. Ha ha ha."

Nois responded with a tone tinged with disdain, "It was all Count Francisco's wish. He desires his chefs to shine. Who in their right mind would give credit to a country bumpkin?"

Kite, the other chef, chimed in with a more tempered perspective, "But, Frank, the boy undeniably possesses remarkable talent. His mana-infused dishes were mouthwatering, and their texture was impeccable. Still, it's a shame he was born into a low-born status."

The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of ambition, arrogance, and a touch of regret as they discussed Max's talents and social standing. The count's decision to withhold credit from Max, despite his culinary skills, had left a sour taste in their mouths.

Unbeknownst to the trio, Max's culinary journey was just beginning, and he was committed to making his dream of equality and shared culinary joy a reality, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.

As Max left the count's mansion, he was directed by the soldiers to exit through a different gate, as the main gate was reserved for the ongoing marriage function.

This meant that Max had to take an alternative route that led him to the main gate but doubled the distance he had to walk. Instead of the usual one-mile journey, he now had to cover a two-mile stretch to reach the main gate, where the waiting wagon would take him away from the manor.

The count's mansion had been a place of both opportunity and disappointment. Max's culinary talents had shone brightly in the kitchen, but the recognition he received was far from what he had hoped for.

The social divisions and prejudices were palpable, and Max knew that if he wanted to succeed in this world, he had to overcome these barriers.

Max sat in the wagon, his gaze fixed on the city's sprawling streets and the bustling crowds. The dimly lit alleys and the flickering lanterns created a tapestry of shadows and light, a reflection of the complexities of the world he had entered.

  Determination burned in his eyes, a fierce fire fueled by the disappointment and challenges he had faced.

As the wagon trundled on, Max's thoughts shifted to his future. He contemplated the path ahead, filled with uncertainties and obstacles.

The bitter truth of this new world had seared into his consciousness, but it only served to steel his resolve. He knew he couldn't change his origins, but he could defy the expectations and prejudices that sought to hold him back.

Max was no longer just a low-born chef; he was a culinary prodigy with ambitions that transcended societal boundaries.

The road to success in this world would be arduous, but he was ready to face it head-on. Challenges were not obstacles; they were opportunities to prove his worth and rise above them.

With each passing moment, the wagon carried him closer to the inn where his journey had begun. Max knew that the lessons he had learned at the count's mansion were invaluable.

He was armed with newfound knowledge and a burning desire to make a name for himself.

---

'Sigh!'

Max let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts consumed by the daunting return journey to the inn.

Despite the weariness that weighed on him, he decided to review what he had gained from this eventful trip.

He shifted his attention towards the system, his curiosity piqued, and queried, "Hey, System, are you available?"

[Indeed, Host,] the system's mechanical voice confirmed.

Max nodded, his face a mix of anticipation and exhaustion. "Good, show me the notifications from earlier this afternoon, and please present them all at once," he requested from the system.

[Understood, Host,] the system replied.

A series of notifications echoed in the wagon, punctuated by melodious 'dings.'

** 'Ding!' **

[Congratulations, Host, for creating 45 top-grade 1st-tier mana-infused dishes.]

['Received 6750 EXP']

** 'Ding!' **

[Congratulations, Host, for creating 5 Super-grade 1st-tier mana-infused dishes.]

['Received 2500 EXP']

Max marveled at the numbers. Each top-grade 1st-tier dish had rewarded him with 150 EXP, while the super-grade ones had granted him a hefty 500 EXP each.

** 'Ding!' **

[Congratulations, Host, for creating 50 1st-tier mana-infused dishes.]

['Received an additional 2000 EXP']

** 'Ding!' **

[You have received 6000 Chef Points in total.]

** 'Ding!' **

[Congratulations, Host, for advancing to level 7. You can check in the status window.]

Max's shock was palpable, his mouth agape in disbelief. He had expected a substantial amount of experience points, but not to the extent that he would leap from level 3 to level 7 in a single stroke.

As if that weren't enough, he had also crafted five super-grade 1st-tier dishes, each of which could fetch a minimum of 100 gold coins on the market. The sheer waste of potential earnings weighed heavily on him. His face betrayed his anger, but he realized there was little he could do to change the situation now.

He muttered, 'Holy shit, under his breath, a mix of amazement and regret coursing through him.

Max, still grappling with the astonishment of his newfound status, whispered to himself, "Status Window." Instantly, a luminous blue screen materialized before his eyes.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[Status Window]

Name: Max Aldwell

Age: 25

Level: 7 (EXP: 1150/6000)

Chef Points: 6240

Shop: Locked [Unlock In Level 10]

Skills: 'God of Cooking' [Divine](Passive)(Rank-novice)

Physique: Perfect Divine Physique[Divine]

Main Quest: Fulfil David's Dying Wish [Click for more details]

Special Items- Blueprint of Divine Restaurant [Divine] [Click for more details]

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Max couldn't contain his excitement as he pondered the 6000 chef points he had acquired. He imagined the possibilities that lay ahead when he reached level 10 and all the new abilities and skills that awaited him.

As he gazed at his status window, a surge of inspiration washed over him. The journey back to the inn was now filled with renewed enthusiasm and dreams of culinary greatness, making him momentarily forget the challenges he had faced at the count's mansion. With his sights set on the future, Max was determined to turn the tide in his favor and rise above the obstacles in his path.