She brought out two big grilled steak skewers from the space bag and gave one to Slashy. As an evolved being, he had naturally developed a better sense of taste, capable of enjoying good food. His mandibles twitched in quiet excitement as he took the skewer, ready to dig in beside her.
When the smell hit her nose, her eyes brightened, saliva immediately filled her mouth, and she started drooling a little. Valenia immediately knew it was going to be very delicious because it was the familiar aroma stimulation that Tasya and the maids were able to produce in their dishes. At first, the maids were unable to achieve the aroma stimulation effect, but after seven years under Tasya's training and guidance, they finally managed to produce it, although it wasn't as potent as Tasya's.
Lumine watched her, a smug grin creeping wider by the second. That reaction—the wide eyes, the drool—it was the prelude to victory. Any moment now, she thought. Take a bite, Valenia. Let's see you try to play it cool when the flavors hit. I've heard plenty of praise and worship for my creation, and you will not be an exception! She could practically hear the gushing compliments already.
Valenia didn't notice the grin. She was too busy staring at the skewer, her hunger roaring louder with every breath of that heavenly scent. Slashy nudged her with a low rumble, already gnawing at his own share. She shook herself out of her daze. Right, time to eat.
Without the polite manner that most ladies would usually have, Valenia took a big bite out of the meat. The moment her teeth sank into the tender, juicy steak, a burst of flavor exploded across her tongue—rich, smoky notes from the grill mingling with a deep, savory essence that seemed to melt into her very core. The meat yielded effortlessly, releasing a subtle sweetness laced with a hint of spice that danced on her palate, followed by a warm, buttery undertone that coated her mouth like a luxurious embrace. Each chew unveiled layers of taste, the essence-dormant energy harmonizing with the seasoning to create a symphony of satisfaction that felt both wild and refined, truly heavenly in its depth and balance. Her eyes fluttered shut, a soft hum escaping her as the flavors washed away months of bland meals in a single, glorious rush.
After savoring the craved heavenly taste to the fullest, Valenia opened her eyes and praised, "Lumine! This is very amazing! You're actually as extraordinary as our young lady as a chef! Thank you very much. I missed eating good food like this. Heheh." Her voice bubbled with genuine delight, a wide grin spreading as she licked a stray bit of juice from her lips.
She then looked at Slashy, who was enjoying the grilled steak skewer, and asked happily, "How was it, Slashy? Her food is as amazing as Tasya's, right?"
Slashy nodded repeatedly, showing agreement while his mandibles were busy chewing on the meat. His clicks quickened, a rhythmic little song of contentment as he tore into the skewer with relish.
While the two were enjoying the meal, Lumine, on the other hand, was stunned, completely petrified. Her smug smile froze, then shattered, her body locking up as if struck by lightning.
What? Huh? What happened? What did she say? I am only as amazing as their young lady? This is a joke, right? I am a master-level Spirit Gourmet Maestro! No mere chef can be on the same level as a Spirit Gourmet Maestro! What is going on here? I want to say they were faking their reactions, but no. They really don't have the expression of people experiencing heavenly flavors for the first time. Her mind spun, a whirlwind of disbelief and denial crashing through her as she stared at Valenia and Slashy.
Her stomach twisted as a realization crept in. They told me the Cloud Continent didn't have any Spirit Gourmet Maestros. So, how's their young lady matching me? She swallowed hard, her eyes widening. Don't tell me… is she some kind of prodigy? A self-taught Spirit Gourmet Maestro? If that's true, if she figured it all out on her own, then her potential could rival the first Spirit Gourment Maestro. Lumine's breath hitched. That legend had turned the Protogaea Continent upside down centuries ago, rewriting the rules of food itself. Could this Tasya do the same over there?
She stood there, mind racing as the implications piled up. If that young lady's really that good, she could shake up the Cloud Continent's entire culinary world—just like the first Maestro did back home. Unless… unless someone from Protogaea beats her to it. If another Spirit Gourmet Maestro crosses over and spreads the knowledge first, she'd lose her shot at making history.
Meanwhile, Valenia took another messy bite, oblivious to the storm brewing in Lumine's head, her only concern the next burst of flavor waiting on her skewer.
Suddenly, greed swelled up inside Lumine. Should I go to the Cloud Continent and become the pioneer of Spirit Gourmet Maestro over there? That way, all the glory will be mine. No, no, no. It would be too difficult to do it alone. I need help.
However, her ambition was cut short because going from the Protogaea Continent to the Cloud Continent was extremely difficult and dangerous unless you had high cultivation. The sea was far more terrifying than the land. This was the reason why there was no exchange between the two continents in the first place. Her shoulders slumped slightly, the harsh reality dousing her spark like cold water on a flame.
Lumine was sure there had been contacts made in the past by high-level cultivators, but she doubted they cared about bringing and spreading knowledge. They were more likely to come and steal knowledge and resources for themselves. After all, this was what usually happened even within her own continent.
Wait a minute. What if I can find a portal from here to the Cloud Continent directly? That might be possible! Lumine's eyes brightened.
Hahaha! I've decided. This will be my plan from now on. I will go to the Cloud Continent and become the pioneer of the Spirit Gourmet Maestro over there. However, doing it alone would be quite challenging, so why don't I recruit Valenia's young lady to help me? I will build a good partnership with her, and even when she soars further than me in the future, my name will still be closely tied to hers as a legend! Her laughter echoed in her head, a grand scheme unfolding as she pictured herself etched in history beside a culinary titan.
Meanwhile, Valenia and Slashy had already finished their grilled steak skewers and were observing Lumine, who had been lost in her thoughts ever since they started eating. What is she thinking to make that many expressions?
Finishing her thoughts, Lumine's vision focused on Valenia again, and she smiled.
Valenia suddenly felt something was wrong, seeing her smile. What is she up to now?
Lumine came closer to Valenia. "Val, you'll join our group, right? Why don't we treasure hunt together tomorrow?"
Valenia got goosebumps when she heard Lumine call her "Val." Only those who were close to her called her that. Now, out of nowhere, Lumine acted nice and familiar with her. Even if she didn't have a special ability like her madam, it was obvious that this Lumine had an ulterior motive. What is this woman planning now?
"I never said I'm joining the group. I'm planning to leave with Slashy after stocking my food," Valenia replied.
In the past few days, she had actually entertained the idea of traveling with them after feeling they weren't that bad, but now, with Lumine acting suspicious like this, all that feeling disappeared.
"Ah? You're leaving? Why don't you join us, Val? It's safer if we ladies travel together. Furthermore, we lack a strong offensive fighter like you. How about it? If you want any kind of food, I'll cook it for you. Just say the word," Lumine tried her best to convince. Her voice sweetened, a desperate edge creeping in as she leaned closer.
I already have plenty of food stock. I don't need you anymore, Valenia thought.
"Ahem, that's fine. I don't want to waste any more time. I want to find my madam as soon as possible," she tried another excuse.
"Is that so? Hmm… if that's the case… How about I leave the group and travel with you? Let's find your madam together, Val!" Lumine didn't give up. Her eyes lit up, latching onto the new angle with stubborn determination.
By getting along with Valenia and her madam, the path to the prodigy Spirit Gourmet Maestro young lady would be easier! So there was no way she would leave Valenia's side.
Valenia was dumbfounded. What is wrong with this woman? Why is she so adamant about following me? I don't want to join the group because of you! Get a hint, lady! Her patience frayed, a twitch of irritation pulsing at her temple.
Since it had come to this, Valenia thought it was better if she confronted her right away.
A large broadsword suddenly appeared in her right hand, and she stabbed it into the floor. The blade sank deep with a heavy thud, dust puffing up as she loomed over it.
The action startled Lumine, who took a few steps back. Her smug facade cracked, a yelp catching in her throat as she stumbled.
"Speak! What is your ulterior motive for suddenly getting all familiar with me?" Valenia pressed.