...
Lucian placed the main dishes and soup onto the dining cart and personally wheeled it out.
If the full score for a dish was 100 points, Lucian could say with absolute confidence that the dishes in his hands right now would score 99.
Not quite perfect, but already approaching perfection... Such cuisine would undoubtedly reveal a fleeting glimmer of brilliance to those with a discerning eye.
"It's done, let's go, Rice-chan."
"Ooh~"
...
"My apologies for keeping you waiting, honored guests."
Lucian stopped and gracefully lifted the plate.
The moment the lid was lifted, a flash of light flickered past, making everyone think it was an illusion. Immediately after, a warm aroma spread through the air, and everyone saw the true appearance behind that gleam.
"Gulp—" Mejiro Ryan and Mejiro Dober simultaneously swallowed their saliva.
"To think I'd have the chance to taste such cuisine again!" Mejiro Grandma's voice trembled with excitement. Despite her age, she still knew a thing or two about fine food.
"Then... please enjoy your meal."
Before leaving, Lucian casually glanced at Mejiro McQueen—interestingly, her gaze was already fixed on him.
Their eyes met, and a silent battle without smoke or gunfire quietly commenced.
...
"These rice grains are so crystal-clear... I almost can't bear to eat them." Mejiro Dober held her spoon, swallowing repeatedly but hesitating to take a bite.
"Dober, opportunities to taste such delicacies are rare. I'm glad I came today. Trainer Lucian's skills have improved even further."
Mejiro Grandma could no longer restrain herself. Casting aside her dignified demeanor in front of her juniors, she took just one bite and was instantly transported to another world of bliss.
Mejiro Dober and Mejiro Ryan were no different. Having never experienced such exquisite flavors before, their taste buds offered even less resistance.
A single bite was enough to leave them with expressions of pure rapture.
Once the fantasy faded, all three couldn't help but turn their attention to the steaming bowl of ginseng-black chicken soup at the center of the table.
What kind of fireworks would burst forth if they mixed the rice with the soup?
"Did Trainer Lucian even account for this step...?"
Grandma shakily picked up her soup spoon, with Mejiro Ryan and Mejiro Dober quickly following suit.
All sense of etiquette and manners was abandoned in that moment.
Watching this scene, Mejiro McQueen suddenly found the desserts and drinks in front of her utterly pitiful in comparison.
The moment she caught a whiff of the rice's fragrance, she knew something was off.
Seriously... she wanted a taste too...
"Ryan... could I have a bite?" Mejiro McQueen asked, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
"No way! I feel like I won't even have enough for myself."
Mejiro McQueen then turned her gaze to Mejiro Dober, only for the latter to unceremoniously shield her plate with both hands.
Finally, she looked at her grandmother... who had nearly finished everything already.
In the face of gourmet food, everyone was equal.
Grandma noticed Mejiro McQueen's dilemma. "McQueen, if you want to eat, go talk to Trainer Lucian now. Once the reservation time passes, he might only prepare for the next guest."
"I... I understand..."
...
"Onii-chan, Rice just saw a flash of light." In the kitchen, Rice Shower spoke with disbelief as she recounted what she'd witnessed. "Was that an illusion? Did you see it too, Onii-chan?"
"A flash? Maybe Rice-chan needs glasses? I know a good place—"
"Onii-chan!" Rice Shower huffed, cutting him off before she even realized it.
But Lucian wasn't annoyed—if anything, he seemed indulgent. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you. No need to get bitey."
"What you saw wasn't an illusion. When a dish is perfected to its utmost..."
He then began explaining principles only those deeply immersed in culinary arts would understand.
Rice Shower listened half-comprehendingly, but one thing was clear: Lucian was amazing.
Just as Lucian was about to continue, the kitchen door suddenly swung open—it was Doto.
"What is it, Doto?"
"Mr. Lucian, Mejiro McQueen is looking for you."
"Where is she?" A thought crossed Lucian's mind—oh~ looks like he'd won.
"Right outside."
"Got it, I'll head over now."
...
Lucian stepped out of the kitchen and spotted Mejiro McQueen around the corner.
Coming to seek him out personally? Quite the show of sincerity.
"Ms. McQueen, what can I do for you?" Lucian feigned ignorance.
"T-Trainer Lucian... could you make another serving of scallop egg-white fried rice?" Mejiro McQueen struggled to get the words out.
The two had barely exchanged words before—they were barely more than strangers.
And yet, they'd already locked eyes in silent confrontation multiple times.
"Oh? Let me check the time..." Lucian pretended to hesitate, teasing the filly once more. "It might be a bit tight."
"Is there really no way?" Mejiro McQueen recalled her grandmother's words—if she missed this chance, there might not be another.
What could she do to get a taste...?
"Aren't you having snacks, Ms. McQueen?" Lucian dropped the act, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Mejiro McQueen turned her head away, flustered. "My friend canceled our shopping plans last minute, so no."
This guy... he's definitely holding a grudge over earlier, isn't he? Hmph, she'd never admit it.
And... his gaze was so annoying. But she really, really wanted to eat it.
Having satisfied his mischievous streak, Lucian decided not to push her further.
If he pressed too hard, she might just dig in her heels and refuse out of pride.
When it came to handling tsunderes, Lucian knew exactly how far to go.
"Very well, I'll prepare it for you now, Ms. McQueen. Please wait a moment."
"Okay... hurry up."
...
This time, Lucian didn't work as quickly as before. But he still aimed to deliver the ultimate experience for Mejiro McQueen.
"Done." Lucian clapped his hands—effortless, as if it were second nature.
Meanwhile, Rice-chan stared longingly at the plate in his hands, her throat bobbing.
"Rice-chan, this isn't for you. I'll make some for you later if you want."
"Okay, got it." That "Rice-chan" again... why did it feel like she was being treated like a pet?
...