Chapter 18: An Audience with the Baron

After a brief moment of anticipation, the door swung open from the inside, revealing a tall figure clad in armor, standing at an imposing height of 6'2". His golden hair added to his commanding presence.

"Please, come in, Chef Edward," the man greeted Chef Edward politely.

His demeanor suggested that he held a position of authority. As the man's gaze shifted to Max, he glanced back at Edward.

"He was also coming with me, Kronus," Edward confirmed his presence with a simple reply.

Max quickly learned that this man was Kronus, the Knight Captain of the Nightwing family.

In the Lionheart Kingdom, each aristocrat had their personal knight guards, as the kingdom did not allow aristocratic families to maintain their own armies.

Only the Duke and the royal family were permitted to maintain armies, making knights like Kronus invaluable protectors for noble families like the Nightwings.

Upon entering the room, Max was immediately struck by the opulence that surrounded him. The floor beneath his feet was adorned with intricately designed tiles, a marked departure from the simple wooden flooring outside.

The room itself seemed like a haven of luxury, with lavish decorations and elegant furnishings that gave it the aura of a royal chamber.

Chef Edward, keenly observing his reaction, couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Impressive, isn't it?" he remarked, and Max could only respond with a silent nod of agreement.

With a hint of pride in his voice, he continued, "I personally designed this room for the times when aristocrats or esteemed VIP guests honor our inn with their presence.

It's a testament to my commitment to creating a welcoming and exceptional experience for those who choose to dine here, showcasing my dedication to the culinary craft."

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Max's POV:

The room seemed to close in on itself as we entered, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation.

Baron Adlof Nightwing, a man of undeniable authority and presence, sat at one end of the room. His slick black hair and well-fed appearance spoke of a life of privilege and indulgence. He exuded an aura of power that was hard to ignore.

Facing him was a guest, a red-haired man with an air of aristocracy about him. His pale skin contrasted sharply with his fiery locks, and his piercing eyes held a shrewd intelligence.

From the way he scrutinized Chef Edward, it was clear that he held a position of influence or significance.

Kronus, the knight captain, had announced our arrival with a respectful bow and then retreated to a corner of the room, leaving only Chef Edward and me standing before the formidable duo.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, and I could sense that something important was at stake.

As Chef Edward began to speak, I listened intently. Edward began to speak, "My lord, what happened in the morning is my fault. My health has not been good since yesterday. I hope the lord and his esteemed guest can forgive me for my previous serving."

He took responsibility for the morning's culinary mishap, explaining that his health had been ailing since the previous day. He offered a sincere apology to both the Baron and his distinguished guest, hoping for their forgiveness.

"That is enough, Edward. I give you one hour, and the time is running out. Did you come here to apologize again? But mind it, I will not accept any excuses."

The Baron's response was delivered with a stern and unyielding tone. He acknowledged Edward's apology but wasted no time in setting clear expectations.

The Baron's voice was cold and unwavering as he granted Edward a mere hour to rectify the situation. It was evident that he had little patience for excuses, and the consequences of failure were left unspoken but deeply understood.

Edward, despite the frustration he must have felt, kept his composure.

He clenched his fists briefly, a visible display of his inner turmoil, but wisely chose not to retort or challenge the Baron's decree. It was apparent that he harbored ambitions within the world of mana chefs and understood the precariousness of his current standing.

Meanwhile, I remained a silent observer, absorbing the dynamics of the room and the exchange between Edward and the formidable Baron.

The stakes were high, and I sensed that this meeting held significant implications, not only for Edward but also for myself.

The room's lavish decor and the air of aristocracy that permeated it served as a stark reminder of the social hierarchy that governed this world.

I couldn't help but reflect on my own circumstances, having been transported to this fantastical realm with no connections or influence to speak of.

As I stood there, I knew that my journey in this new world had only just begun. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—I had much to learn and navigate if I were to find my place and purpose in this intricate and stratified society.

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As Edward began his apology, Baron Adlof Nightwing interrupted with a curt comment, making his impatience evident, "Just tell me why you've come here. I have no interest in listening to your excuses, and I am pressed for time."

Edward, undeterred by the Baron's brusque manner, replied, "My lord, I have come to inform you that the dish is already complete and ready to be served at any time."

The Baron's brows furrowed, and a hint of anger simmered in his eyes as Max responded, "And I want it to be clear that if this new food does not meet my liking, I am prepared to shut down your inn."

Edward, maintaining his composure, offered an explanation, "My Lord, this time the food was not prepared by me. Allow me to introduce you to Max."

He gestured toward Max, and with a respectful bow, he continued, "Max is my disciple and an exceptional mana chef. He is the one who prepared the dish."

The Baron and his guest scrutinized Max closely, their eyes assessing him from head to toe. After a moment of silence, the guest spoke, his tone condescending, "A child, Chef Edward? Do you truly believe that anyone can become a mana chef?"

The guest's patronizing tone stirred anger within Max, but he knew better than to show it. He had encountered such customers before and had learned how to handle their skepticism. With a calm and confident demeanor, Max prepared to address their doubts.