The entire architecture of Chaos was built from polished stone. This was because the mountain ranges where the city was located had vast granite deposits, which were sold to other territories.
The establishnt was constructed from white blocks with gray veins, giving it a sophisticated air. Two ard demons, with weapons at their sides, guarded the entrance.
I walked alongside Dália, who calmly entered the hall and approached a demon positioned behind a luxurious side counter.
"Good morning. A table for two," Dália said in a calm voice.
"Any seating preference?" asked the attendant in a professional tone.
"Is there a private room available?"
Upon hearing Dália's words, the attendant raised her head and looked at us, furrowing her brows. Her gaze lingered on Dália and then on , scrutinizing us for a few seconds. Before she could continue, a tall, strong demon dressed in luxurious white attire approached the counter. He placed his hand on the attendant's shoulder, taking over the service.
The attendant was slightly startled by the touch and even more so by the figure who had arrived.
"The Banquet of Races is honored to receive such illustrious guests," the demon said, bowing deeply in our direction. "Having the empire's newest genius in our establishnt is a great honor."
I was shocked by his words. I glanced sideways at Dália, who was grinning from ear to ear.
"The pleasure is ours. We are looking for a more private place for a al, and I thought we would find it here at the Banquet of Races," Dália replied in a soft tone.
"Of course, I have the perfect room for the occasion. Please, follow ," the demon said, leading us diligently through the central hall toward a staircase.
The demon's comnts did not go unnoticed by the restaurant's patrons. Soon, murmurs spread like wildfire, reaching our ears.
"Is that him, the new sensation of the mont?"
"The queen's pawn? He's more handso than they said!"
"I thought he'd be taller."
"Is that the disciple of the legendary mage Elian?"
"Rumors say he sleeps in the queen's bed."
"They say the humans are interested in him and will do anything to recruit him."
There were also malicious comnts in the crowd.
"To , he's just a publicity stunt by the crown. It's impossible for soone to defeat challengers a power level above."
"They say he's the gigolo of the demonic castle, that his role is to satisfy both n and won."
"Are you telling this scrawny guy beat one of the most famous warriors of this generation? Nonsense."
The atmosphere ignited like fire. All the tables stared at us as we made our way to the upper floors. Ascending the stairs, we passed the first floor, which had a layout similar to the central hall but noticeably more elaborate and opulent.
Well-dressed figures, accompanied by their business partners, families, or on personal outings, were scattered throughout the room. Their clothes were more elegant, and even their comnts were more refined and spoken in lower tones.
"I apologize for the slight commotion, esteed guest. Had we known in advance, we would have prepared for your entrance to go unnoticed," the demon apologized.
"No need to worry," I replied.
"If I may, it is always good practice to address our guests with honorifics that please them. Is there any you prefer to be called in our restaurant?"
"Just call Glenn. That's enough."
Dália apparently didn't like my answer. Her face darkened, and a clear dissatisfaction was etched on her expression.
I looked into her eyes again, finding a questioning gaze that, honestly, I didn't even understand.
'Won are difficult.'
She responded with a determined look, probing whether she could intervene in the conversation. But I decisively denied, shaking my head.
A small pout of dissatisfaction appeared on her lips, but she soon returned to her natural state.
We continued climbing, reaching the second floor. There, the rooms were closed off. The doors, made of striking wood with hand-carved designs, didn't allow anyone to see or hear what was happening inside. Clearly, they were built for private etings, away from prying eyes.
We were guided to the last room. The attendant gently opened the door and gestured for us to enter.
"You will have the VIP room on the second floor. I hope it is to your liking."
"Thank you," Dália replied, entering the room.
There was a circular table made of finely crafted wood with a marble base, seating six people in the center of the room. The chairs were padded and well-positioned, ensuring no one would disturb their neighbor.
I sat next to Dália, expecting her to take the lead since she clearly knew the place.
"My na is Boris, and I will be your waiter. Are you familiar with our cuisine?"
"I am, but you could explain it to the young master," Dália said, looking at the waiter with firm eyes.
'She wanted him to call young master?' I thought.
The waiter, understanding the nuances, chose to follow the guest's advice.
"Very well. Esteed guest Glenn, our restaurant is known for preparing delicacies from nearly all races of Atlas," he explained, bowing and handing a nu.
"Our greatest quality lies in replicating the flavors of human, beast, and demonic races. We work with a weekly rotation of selected dishes. This week, the house special is 'Twilight Bread with Blessed Lamb.'"
"A human delicacy inspired by the sacred feasts of Sol'Varen. The lamb is fattened by priests before preparation, marinated in wine, and slow-roasted with honey from hives cultivated by clerics."
"It is served on dark bread, fernted with holy water. According to humans, it symbolizes the union between the divine and the earthly. It cos with a sauce made from herbs harvested in our territory and a portion of seasoned lentils."
The dish's description was exquisite, blending mystical elents of human religious traditions. It was the first ti I had heard of cuisine from other races, and honestly, I found it interesting. After all, I enjoyed eating.
The host continued:
"This dish is more than a al; it is a spiritual experience. They say those who consu it feel the blessing of the gods with every bite. Of course, if you prefer sothing less... devotional, we have the 'Smoked Risotto,' a demonic specialty, or the 'Flaming Boar Loin,' a favorite among adventurers. But the Sacred Bread is a unique opportunity to experience human cuisine in its purest and most reverent form."
The host bowed with a confident smile.
"I can assure you that any of the dishes are of the highest culinary standard. I am certain you have never tasted anything like it."
All three dishes were impressive, with flashy nas that piqued curiosity.
The thing I valued most, after transmigrating to this world, was the opportunity to enjoy good als. Back on Earth, everything I ate was strictly controlled: low salt, low fat, and little flavor.
"Very well, Boris. I'll have the dish of the day."
"Perfect. Twilight Bread with Lamb for you. And for the lady?"
"I'll have the Smoked Stew."
"Perfect. One Twilight Bread with Lamb and one Smoked Stew. And to drink?"
"What are the house options?" I asked, curious. I had never drunk alcohol in my life.
"We have wines, liqueurs, ad, and crafted beverages. As a recomndation, for your dish, Mr. Glenn, I suggest a special and unique drink made here in-house, prepared with ad and wine. And for the lady, a typical red wine to accompany the stew."
I looked questioningly at Dália, as she was my cook. She responded to my questioning with a nod of affirmation.
"Very well, let's go with that."
"Your order will arrive shortly. With your permission!"
Boris quickly exited the private room, closing the door behind him.
"Why are you looking at with those inquisitive eyes, Dália?"
"I didn't think the young master was... religious," she said with a playful tone.
"What's the problem? Who knows, maybe the Twilight Bread, blessed by so deity or another, will grant so real days off?"
"Ahahahaha!" Small laughs echoed from both of us.
"The young master should have requested to be addressed with the proper honorific."
"Haa... you want to be called young master everywhere I go? I've already told you it's not necessary, but you keep calling that."
"You don't seem to understand your situation, young master. I'm just sparing you future trouble, both for you and for ."
"Phew..."
The conversation didn't continue much beyond that. In a brief mont of silence, we watched the bustling street filled with thousands of people. Most were demons, but there were also beastfolk with feline traits and even so orcs.
Soon, our order arrived and was placed on the table. The aroma of the al reminded that I hadn't eaten in over twelve hours. Eagerly, I began to taste the human delicacy.
The flavor was impressive. The bread and lamb, when eaten separately, were nothing extraordinary. But when mixed with the herb salad, it was an explosion of flavors. Everything paired perfectly. And the drink was magnificent—sweet but not strong enough to intoxicate.
"This is really good!"
"I'm glad the young master enjoyed it. So demons still have so prejudice against trying human food, due to our history of wars decades ago."
"Their loss. This is too good!"
Our al went smoothly. When we finished, Dália handed a small golden token, the size of a coin, to Boris, who happily accepted it, expressing his congratulations and recomnding that we return anyti.
"Very well. Onward to the Tent!" Dália said, pulling by the arm and walking into the bustling street.
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