Chapter 33: Invitation

Elizabeth found herself utterly captivated by the enchanting scene unfolding before her. It was a world she had never ventured into, a world of culinary magic, far removed from her own realm of magic and royalty.

  As she stood in the doorway, her deep blue eyes, like sapphires, remained fixated on Max, who was meticulously engaged in his culinary craft.

The grand kitchen was bathed in soft, warm light, its immaculate counters reflecting the gleam of the various kitchen utensils, pots, and ingredients. The air was redolent with a medley of tantalizing aromas — aromatic herbs, spices, and rich, savory scents.

Elizabeth watched as Max effortlessly moved through the kitchen with a grace and precision that was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Max's every movement was fluid and precise, displaying a culinary finesse that made it clear he was no ordinary chef. He reached for fresh herbs and spices, selecting each with a knowing touch, as if he were an artist selecting the perfect hues for his canvas.

  His fingers danced over pots and pans, adjusting flames and temperatures with a keen awareness that bespoke years of experience.

As Max worked his culinary magic, a sense of childlike wonder overtook Elizabeth. The world she knew was one of grandeur, power, and political intrigue, but here, in this kitchen, she found herself transported to a realm where passion and artistry took center stage.

It was as if she had stumbled upon a hidden world, where creativity and craftsmanship ruled, rather than authority and titles.

In her entranced state, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a wave of curiosity wash over her. She yearned to understand the intricacies of mana-infused dishes and the artistry behind them.

While the royal chefs at the palace were indeed skilled, their work paled in comparison to the expertise she was witnessing here.

Max's calm demeanor and focus in the midst of his culinary artistry left a lasting impression on Elizabeth.

The dichotomy between her magical world and this realm of culinary enchantment was stark, yet the beauty of this experience was undeniable.

It was a moment of pure, unadulterated fascination that would stay with her for years to come.

_ _ _ _ _

With a sense of accomplishment, Max completed the culinary journey that had brought him to this moment.

A series of notifications began to appear before Max's eyes, emanating from the system. Each pop-up indicated that he was receiving experience points and chef points, making his heart race with anticipation

His mind buzzed with questions, eager to know what level he had achieved and how many chef points he had earned, but he decided to delay his gratification, holding back from checking.

By his side, Elizabeth, the princess of Lionheart Kingdom, observed him with an intense and unbroken gaze.

The result of Max's efforts was an impressive array of seven dishes, each meticulously crafted to cater to a crowd of fifty people.

While it might seem intuitive that his chef points and experience would correlate directly with the number of dishes prepared, the system had its own intricate calculations.

The accumulation of experience points and chef points wasn't solely linked to the quantity of dishes but also factored in the number of people who would partake in the feast.

Let me explain it this way: if Max cooked a single dish meant to serve two people, he would receive experience and chef points twice for that one dish. This unique system delighted him, as it meant he could maximize his rewards and advancement by preparing dishes intended for multiple diners.

It wasn't just about cooking; it was an artful journey that extended its influence far beyond the flavors within each dish.

  Every bite was a testament to his skill and creativity, a reflection of the passion he poured into his craft. The culinary magic Max conjured was a celebration of his skills, an experience shared and cherished by everyone who enjoyed his food.

_ _ _ _ _

After adding his final touches to the dishes, Max looked at Elizabeth, who was still standing there and watching him. He had forgotten that he told her to leave, as he had been so absorbed in his culinary world.

On the other side, Elizabeth was shocked by Max's behavior. 'This person is quite interesting,' she muttered to herself. The man in front of her seemed completely oblivious to her presence, lost in his own world.

When Max finally turned his head and acknowledged her, Elizabeth couldn't help but be curious. She complimented him, "The aroma of the dishes is truly mouthwatering, and they look beautiful. What tier of food did you cook?"

Max introduced himself, "I'm Max, you can call me Max." He didn't seem to mind that she hadn't asked for his name earlier.

Elizabeth chuckled at her own impatience, "Sorry, I forgot to ask your name earlier. But really, Max, you're amazing. Each dish you've prepared looks wonderful. I can only hope they taste as good. By the way, my name is Elizabeth," she added, leaving out her surname.

Max didn't pay much attention to the pleasantries, but he couldn't deny a feeling of pride when Elizabeth praised the dishes he had prepared.

Max gazed at Elizabeth for a moment, captivated by her beauty, but there was something about her that set her apart from others. He found himself intrigued.

Finally, he spoke, "Would you like to taste?" Max was usually a man of few words, but there was something about Elizabeth that made him want to engage with her.

"All of these dishes are 1st-tier mana-infused foods. If you'd like to try, come on over." With practiced grace, Max prepared a dish infused with ice elements and served it on a nearby table. The aroma wafted through the air, making it even more tempting.

As a royal princess, Elizabeth had tasted many mana-infused dishes before, but nothing compared to what Max had prepared in terms of appearance, aroma, and overall presentation. She stood there, literally drooling at the sight and smell of the food.

Max raised an eyebrow and looked at her. "So, would you like to taste it, or are you just going to stand there?" he asked, his tone both casual and inviting. Max was a man of action and didn't waste words, but the presence of this intriguing princess had piqued his interest.