Chapter 39: Edward's Parting Gifts

In the presence of Edward, Max felt a profound sense of family and happiness. The man sitting before him had become more than a mentor; he had evolved into a fatherly figure in Max's life.

The warmth of the room, the comforting aroma of the food, and the genuine smile on Edward's face all combined to create an atmosphere of deep connection and trust.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Max had not only gained culinary skills but had also discovered a sense of belonging and care that he had never experienced before.

Edward's guidance, support, and encouragement had transformed Max's life, filling a void he had carried for years.

"Max, please consider this recommendation at a later time," Edward advised as he retrieved a document from his spatial ring. "It will be of great assistance to you once you arrive in the capital and present it to the Chef Association."

Max felt a deep sense of gratitude for Edward's efforts. He had been a humble apprentice in Edward's kitchen, toiling over the stove and learning the culinary arts.

Now, as he stood on the cusp of a new chapter in his life, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the kindness and support he had received from his mentor.

"Thank you, Master," he expressed, his voice tinged with a mixture of appreciation and emotion as he accepted the document. It was a symbol of the trust and faith Edward had in him.

"And this is a small parting gift from me," Edward continued, pushing a ring and a pouch towards Max. "As your mentor, I believe you are more than qualified to embark on your own journey, and, this can aid you in your upcoming adventures."

Max was taken aback by the generosity of the gift. A spatial ring and a pouch of money! The spatial ring was a valuable and magical item that allowed for the storage of objects in a pocket dimension.

 It was a tool highly coveted by adventurers, and Edward was entrusting it to him.

"Master, this is more than I can accept," Max initially attempted to decline, his hands trembling with uncertainty as he thought of the responsibilities that came with such a gift. But he halted when he heard Edward's heartfelt words.

"Max, I don't have any children, and what I've earned is more than enough for my own enjoyment," Edward insisted with a warm smile. His eyes sparkled with a hint of nostalgia as he spoke. "Please, my child, take it."

Max felt a lump in his throat. He had grown up an orphan and had never experienced such affection and care in his life.

While his other identity David had received love from Granny Romina, Max had never received this much love and respect from anyone.

The tears welled up in his eyes, and he nodded, unable to find the words to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Master," he managed to say as he accepted the ring and pouch.

"I believe you know how to use the spatial ring," Edward continued, sensing Max's emotional turmoil. "Infuse it with your mana when you reach the 1st circle as a magician, and spend the money wisely."

As Max held the ring in his hand, he felt a profound sense of responsibility. This gift was not just a tool; it was a symbol of trust and belief in his abilities.

Edward handed him a pouch containing a thousand gold coins, a significant sum. While it might have been a small part of Edward's vast wealth, Max understood the weight of this gesture.

"Thank you, Master," Max said, his voice quivering with emotion. He bowed deeply, acknowledging the gravity of the moment and the trust Edward had placed in him. "I'll use the money wisely and do my best to make you proud."

Edward smiled warmly, a sense of pride in his eyes. As Max embarked on his journey, he carried not only the spatial ring and the gold coins but also the love and guidance of a mentor who had changed the course of his life.

This was the beginning of a new adventure, and Max was determined to make the most of it, guided by the wisdom and kindness of his beloved Master, Edward.

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"As you know," Edward continued, his warm and supportive tone filling the room, "I've been in this business for a long time, and I have a few contacts and resources I'd like to offer you to help kick-start your culinary journey."

Max had always admired Edward not just as a mentor but as a wise and experienced individual who had seen it all in the culinary world.

He leaned forward, eager to absorb every word of guidance that his mentor had to offer. "I'm all ears, Master," he replied with gratitude in his voice.

After Max returned from the count's house, where he had been summoned for a special occasion, he couldn't wait to share his newfound vision with Edward. His heart was set on opening his own restaurant, and he knew that he had the full support of his mentor.

"You can find one of my friends in the capital," Edward revealed, "His name is Gill. He owns multiple plots of land in the capital, and he can help you acquire a piece of land for your restaurant."

Max's eyes lit up with excitement. He was well aware that, in the kingdom's strict culinary regulations, owning land was a fundamental requirement for opening a mana-infused restaurant.

He couldn't contain his enthusiasm as he replied, "That's fantastic news, Master! Acquiring a piece of land is the first step, and I'm so grateful for your help."

Edward nodded with a knowing smile. "Indeed, Max, the restaurant business is not just about culinary skills. It's also about the right location and resources.

Gill will guide you through the process of acquiring the land, and I'm sure his experience will be invaluable to you."

Max listened intently, his determination growing with every word. He knew that with Edward's connections and Gill's assistance, he was well on his way to fulfilling his dream of opening a mana-infused restaurant. "I can't thank you enough for your support, Master. I'll do everything in my power to make you proud."

Edward patted Max on the back, his pride in his apprentice was evident in his smile. "I have no doubt that you will, my child. Your dedication and talent will take you far. Now, remember, alongside acquiring the land, you'll also need to obtain a mana chef certificate from the association to open your restaurant."

Max felt a sense of anticipation and nervous excitement as he realized the magnitude of the opportunities that lay ahead. His apprenticeship might be ending, but a new chapter in his culinary journey was about to begin.