Luke was a world class chef in the united state until he took his life.
Now, he was reborn into a fantasy world, but he has no interest in slaying dragons or becoming a Hero. He just want to run a very quiet tavern on the edge of the dangerous Abyssal Forest.
Equipped with a mysterious chef's system, Luke discovers that the monsters every other person's fears are actually high grade ingredients.A slime is just lemon flavored jelly,a Fire Drake's tail is the perfect base for a spicy stew.
On a fateful day his quiet life was shattered when a rain drenched girl collapse in his shop cover with muds and dirty clothes,she wasn't just a regular traveler but a princess on a run from a dark fate.
Luke doesn't care about her crown,but he does care that she's starving.Between dodging royal assassins,Food…she whispered,her fingers clutching at Luke's sleeve.please…anything.
Luke didn't ask for her name,her story,or the gold she clearly didn't have.He lifted her easily and carried her to the chair closest to the fire.stay here,he said, his voice firm but calm. "Don't move".
He headed for the kitchen,his mind already racing through his limited inventory.He had just one egg,a sprig of wild Iron Leek he found near the forest,and a single pat of butter.
He fired up the stove, using perfect temperature control to bring the pan to a precise,shimmering heat.He cracked the egg with one-handed flick,the yolk a deep,magical orange.The moment it hit the butter,the kitchen exploded with a rich,savory flavor aroma.He folded the omelet with the grace of an artist,the Iron-Leeks sizzling inside.
When he set the plate before her,the steam rose in a gentle curl.The princess stared at the eggs as if she was looking at a pile of gold.She took a bite,her eyes widening as the flavor hit her. It wasn't just a food,it was warmth.it was safety.
Luke leaned back,watching her finally feel at rest the color returned to her cheeks.The storm still raged outside,but inside the Rust& Rosemary,the air was still.
The scrapping of the fork against the ceramic plate finally stopped.she sat back, her breath hitching in a small satisfied sigh that seemed to vibrate through the quiet room.For a moment,the terror in her eyes was replaced by a sleepy,warm haze.
Luke stepped forward.He didn't say anything,he just reached out and took the empty plate.
Wait.. she whispered,her hand twitching as if to grab it back. I…I truly have no way to pay you.do you mind if I offer you this gold ring she said.
I already told you, Luke interrupted,his voice as steady as the stone hearth.I don't eat jewelry,neither do I sell it.Consider it a 'Grand Opening' special.
He turned and walked toward the small,stone wash-basin in the corner.As he dipped the plate into the water,a blue screen flickered at the edge of his vision
Luke chuckled softly to himself.Even washing dishes was a quest in this world.He felt the weight of her gaze on his back-a princess watching a chef do the work of a servant.To her,it was so strange.To him it was just the end of a service.
If you're so worried about the bill,Luke said looking back at his shoulder as he wiped the plate dry,there's a stack of firewood by the back door that needs moving.Or you can help me wipe down these tables.A tavern doesn't just run itself, and I'm a cook,not some maid.
She blinked,her royal pride warring with the warm,full feeling in her stomach.You….you want me a princess to work?
Yes Luke replied, I want you to be useful, Luke corrected.In the Borderlands, everyone works.Even Princesses.
She stared at the dirty rag Luke had placed on the table as if it were a poisonous snake.She was a princess of the Valerius line,she thought to herself, her hands were meant for holding silk, not scrubbing grease off old pine wood.
I…I haven't done this in my life,she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
Luke didn't look up from the sink.Then today is your lucky day I guess. It's a new world,a new life, and a new career.
With a sigh that sounded almost like a crumbling empire,she reached out for the rag.she walked to the nearest table and began to rub the wood with a face full of irritation.
Harder a loud voice came from inside it was Luke's voice, finally turning around to lean against the counter.You're cleaning a tavern, not your silk gown.Use some muscle,or the grease will win.
She glared at him,a spark of her old royal fire returning to her eyes.She put her weight into it scrubbing with a sudden,angry energy.Is this better now Master Chef?
Much better, Luke smiled. So tell me why's a princess running through a monster infested forest in the middle of a thunderstorm?Usually, people with your jewelry have guards for that sort of thing right.
Her movement slowed down.The anger and rage faded,replaced by a shadow of fear.The guards are the ones I'm running away from.my uncle….he didn't want a niece on the throne He wanted a ghost.
Luke went quiet.He knew about cutthroat worlds the restaurant business back on Earth was full of people willing to stab you behind for a promotion. But this?This was literal.
Well, I must say his voice softening a bit.The Abyssal Forest is a better place to hide for now. And the Rust & Rosemary is the best place to eat he said. As long as you keep those table clean he smiled, you have a place to stay.
The Scene:The Shadow at the Door
She opened her mouth to speak, maybe thank him or perhaps to tell him more of her secrets,but the words hang in her throat.
The only sound in the tavern was the crackling of the fire and the steady drip-drip of the rain until it wasn't.from the darkness outside,a new sound emerges.the rhythmic,heavy splashing of multiple horses galloping through the mud.
She face turned pale cause she knows those sound already.The rag slipped from her hands,landing on the floor with a wet thud.They're here she said,she breathed heavily her voice trembling.
Luke felt a sharp,electric tingle at the back of his neck.Suddenly his vision flashed red.
Great,Luke muttered stepping out from behind the counter.I finally get a customer,and she brings the local police with her he said.
THUD.THUD.THUD.
A massive fist hammered against the oak door,shaking the hinges.This wasn't the desperate knock of a traveler seeking shelter, it was the arrogant type of men who were used breaking things.
Open up! a loud voice boomed from the other side,muffled by the storm but dripping with more authority.By order of the Duke Valerius we are searching for a fugitive thief.open this door immediately they command or we will take it off the hinges.
She looked around wildly, her eyes landing on the kitchen door.I have to hide…if they find me…I'm dead
Luke looked at the door,then at his trembling waitress and finally at his shimmering blue system screen.
Luke wiped his hand on his apron on his waist and felt a calm wash over him.He wasn't a good fighter,but this was his territory.
Now get behind the counter and stay low he commanded.He walked towards the door his hand reaching for the heavy iron bolt. I've dealt with angry food critics before. This fools can't be much worse.
He pulled the bolt back with a loud clack.
[End of Chapter]
Thank you for reading the first chapter of The Borderland Tavern! Who do you think is at the door,and can Luke cooking skills really stop a squad of soldiers?
If you enjoyed the start of this journey,please Add to Library and some Power Stone to support the story. I'll see you in Chapter 2.