Chapter 24: Edward's Gratitude

After scrutinizing every detail of his transformed body with satisfaction, Max couldn't help but break into a smile of contentment.

He then proceeded to pour three more buckets of water onto the bedsheet, ensuring that every trace of the unpleasant odor was thoroughly washed away.

Once he was certain that the bedsheet was clean, Max exited the bathroom. Upon returning to his room, he gazed out of the window and marveled at the setting sun.

In his previous life, he had rarely witnessed a sunset as beautiful as this one. Earth's high pollution density had often obscured the natural beauty of such moments, but here in Aiden, he had the privilege of savoring the tranquil and picturesque sight of the sun sinking below the horizon.

It was a reminder of the many wonders this new world held, waiting to be explored and cherished.

The violet and blue colors of the setting sun painted the sky in breathtaking hues. Max stood by the window, mesmerized by the celestial masterpiece that unfolded before his eyes. The sun, like a great fiery orb, descended gracefully, casting long, golden shadows across the land. As the sun dipped lower, it seemed to kiss the horizon, leaving behind a trail of molten gold on the rippling surface of a nearby area. The world transformed into a canvas of warm, fiery shades, each moment more ethereal than the last.

Birds, silhouetted against the fading light, returned to their nests, their song a sweet serenade to the closing day. The air was filled with a gentle, cool breeze, carrying with it the scent of blooming wildflowers. In this tranquil moment, Max felt a profound connection to the world around him. Aiden's beauty, unfettered by the trappings of modern life, captivated his soul. It was as though the land itself was welcoming him, inviting him to be a part of its ancient, untamed rhythm.

Filled with a profound sense of appreciation, Max quietly voiced his thoughts, "This is a world deserving of reincarnation, one worth cherishing."

"Knock! Knock! Knock!"

As the final, thin sliver of the sun vanished beyond the horizon, a sudden, unexpected knocking sound interrupted Max's contemplation, jolting him back to the present moment. This abrupt noise shattered the tranquil beauty of the sunset, reminding him that reality often demands attention even amid moments of deep reflection.

"Coming," Max responded.

He hurriedly went to the door in response to the knock. He had fixed the wooden door, which had been broken earlier, using some glue he found in his room. This time, he had better control over his strength, allowing him to slowly open the door without any mishaps.

Standing outside was Chef Edward, his expression serious. Without saying a word, he gestured for Max to follow him. As Max followed Edward through the inn, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts about the bedsheet he had left in the bathroom.

He couldn't help but wonder if anyone had complained to Chef Edward about the foul odor that had filled his room earlier. Although Max was fairly confident that no one had seen him entering or leaving the bathroom, he knew that in such close-knit quarters, even walls could have ears, and secrets had a way of getting out.

After a two-minute walk, they reached a room adjacent to the VIP suite where the Count and Baron had stayed. Edward opened the door, and Max followed him inside.

The room was a testament to luxury, with opulent furnishings that rivaled the VIP suite. A king-size bed took center stage, and the walls were adorned with extravagant paintings. Max couldn't help but be astounded by the grandeur of it all, realizing that mana chefs must command a substantial income to afford such accommodations.

The room's elegance left a deep impression on Max, serving as a reminder of the prestige associated with the culinary world in Aiden.

"Max," Edward gestured to a bench tucked away in a well-lit corner of the room. "Before we dive into our discussion, let's have a seat there."

As Max settled onto the bench, Edward turned his gaze toward him, and his jaw practically hit the floor.

In Max's dimly lit room, the details had eluded him, but now, in the brilliant illumination created by a combination of candles and mana lights fashioned from precious mana stones by dwarves, Max appeared as an entirely different person.

Edward found himself utterly flabbergasted. In the span of just five hours, Max had undergone a profound transformation. Countless questions swirled through Edward's mind—how had this remarkable change occurred, what had triggered it, and why? But Edward understood that Aiden was a world filled with inexplicable phenomena that defied conventional logic.

As a seasoned chef and a first-circle magician, he had encountered his fair share of unexplainable occurrences. Edward also recognized that attempting to pry answers from Max would be an exercise in futility.

After all, he had taken Max under his wing as a disciple, and it was only natural for Max to harbor some secrets, much like everyone else in the enigmatic realm of Aiden.

"Cough!" Max cleared his throat, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Ahem! Kid, you've changed a lot, and you've also become quite strong. That's impressive," Edward remarked, shifting the conversation away from the awkward moment.

"Thank you, Master," Max expressed his gratitude sincerely, aware that he couldn't fully explain his transformation to Edward. He was relieved that Edward didn't press further about his physical appearance.

Edward stood up and bowed slightly to Max. "First, let me thank you," he said.

Max hurriedly stood up. "What are you doing, Master? It's not necessary."

"No, kid," Edward insisted, "You don't know how much you've helped me and my inn today." He gestured for Max to sit down as he settled back into his own seat.

"If you hadn't showcased your talent today, I don't know what would have happened to my inn. Now, I'm sure you have many questions, including why I am addressing Baron with more politeness, despite having the status of a baron myself due to my mana chef profession. Let me clarify things for you first," Edward said, his tone sincere and warm.