Storm of Gods

Chapter 153 A Friend Comes from Afar (Happy Dragon Boat Festival!)
Everyone knew their table wasn't the main table, but that didn't dampen their excitement. They also had the added prestige of His Highness the Prince, making them feel incredibly fortunate and eagerly anticipating the dishes.

The appetizers began to be served, with waiters carrying delicate trays. Li Xin thought that these plates could probably fetch a good price if sold. On each plate was a small, exquisite cup containing the first appetizer. Manager Roger appeared with a smile on his face.

“This is the first ‘Flower of Life.’ Mr. Paul Bocuse pioneered the romantic and refined cuisine of Daoyuan, blending art and deliciousness together. Moreover, Mr. Bocuse’s cuisine has a special characteristic: it can produce magical effects when it meets the right person, such as curing stubborn diseases. Let us praise the blessings of Mother Earth,” Roger introduced.

Everyone praised the Earth Mother Goddess Lisanna Lo in unison. The small cup containing the Flower of Life was placed in front of them. Roger continued to introduce it, "The Flower of Life is made from tender salamander spine meat, served in a seafood broth, and accompanied by a secret spicy sauce. Please enjoy it, distinguished guests."

After saying that, Roger came to Simmons' side and bent down. "Mr. Simmons, His Highness the Prince has not yet arrived."

Simmons nodded and began to savor the food before him. The fire lizard was an extremely rare awakened creature, and its spine meat was indeed fresh and tender. The rich aroma was nurtured in the volcano, but it wasn't greasy at all; it was a top-grade aristocratic ingredient. The seafood soup base was also extraordinary. The old nobles were all gourmets, and after tasting a little with a small spoon, they found that it contained at least five kinds of seafood as the soup base. Lobster and abalone were the basics, so the manager hadn't introduced them. Simmons savored it carefully. At first, he only felt the freshness when it entered his mouth, followed by an explosion of flavor in his mouth. A rich aroma filled the air, and as it went down his throat, there was a slightly fiery feeling, followed by a refreshing sensation rushing to his head. In an instant, the aroma and freshness in his mouth blended together, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Everyone at the table squinted. Locke blinked his big eyes... He took a bite, and the flavor went straight to his intestines. The others were savoring the taste, enjoying the impact of the food.

Locke looked around, while Lancer, a true connoisseur of fine food, ate the slowest and in particular, paying attention to the order. Sensing Locke's burning gaze, he shielded his eyes with his left hand, as if Locke's gaze could digest the aroma of the food.

The very first appetizer was so delicious that everyone exclaimed how amazing it was, completely different from any food they had ever eaten before – it was a revelation.

Li Xin also found the food incredibly delicious. This was so damn good! How could it be so delicious? And he felt very comfortable after eating it. There must be something special about this food. Judging from the beneficial effects, the chef must be an Awakened One, most likely an Awakened One in the field of food.

Since his Kung Pao Chicken showed some promise, Li Xin was a bit overconfident for a while, thinking he might go even further on the path of a chef. But now he thinks it's better to be rational and not.

The waiters kept track of the time, giving guests time to taste and appreciate the food. People didn't come here to eat their fill, but to enjoy themselves. Of course, there were exceptions, such as Li Xin and Locke, who came here to eat their fill.

The second dish is "Dragon and Phoenix in Flight," a small cold appetizer. The dragon and phoenix are formed by intertwined vines of emerald green and bright red plants, and are extremely exquisite. The design is like a work of art, with the dragon and phoenix appearing lifelike.

"This dish was inspired by ancient texts during Mr. Bocuse's travels through various federations of Lilong. It symbolizes soaring success and happiness. The best way to eat this dish is to smell it first, then eat it; it will have a unique effect." After saying this, Roger respectfully stepped aside.

The first appetizer had already impressed everyone enough, so no one pretended to be sophisticated. Instead, they wisely followed the recommended way of eating, taking a closer sniff. First came a sweet and refreshing aroma of wine, followed by a spicy and stimulating aroma that blended together. Everyone was already impatient. Locke and Li Xin had also learned their lesson this time, watching Simmons' expression as they slowly savored the dish.

???

This elite green and red plant-stem-like thing actually contains wine. The outer stem has a certain crispness and is not a thin layer. It has a refreshing and sweet taste, while the wine bursts in the middle. It's very intoxicating, extremely intoxicating!
Just two appetizers were enough to win everyone over. No wonder so many people flocked to it, and even nobles and dignitaries were willing to wait in line. This is real gourmet food! What were we eating before?

“Mr. Roger, this is an eye-opener! My family has been in the maritime trade for generations, traveling all over Daoyuan. I thought I knew a lot about food, but today I’ve finally seen the light. Mr. Bocuse is truly the best in Daoyuan!” Lancer gave a thumbs up, completely impressed. He was determined to write a report and submit it to the Heldan Daily and the Hexbird Newspaper.

“Thank you, Mr. Palu. Mr. Bocuse often says that there is no end to fine dining, and he is always seeking the ultimate realm of gastronomy. Count Palu has great insights into food, and I hope you can offer your valuable advice after this,” Roger said respectfully.

Immediately, everyone's gaze towards Lancer became more ardent. Lancer hadn't expected that the other party would know about his situation. This was really thoughtful, and his goodwill towards Lancer was immediately boosted.

"I wouldn't dare say that. I will enjoy this culinary journey with gratitude," Lancer said, using the words of a gourmet.

The color, aroma, and taste are not enough to describe it; the creativity is also extremely meticulous, blending cultures from various regions.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a waiter came in. "We have a guest."

A hearty laugh rang out from outside the door, "Simmons, long time no see! You're not very friendly, you don't really hang out with us much."

Two young men dressed in dashing knight outfits walked in, looking at Simmons with a slightly mocking expression.

The second-ranked of the Eight Dukes of Montcarette, Duke Obent Sid, and the fourth-ranked, Duke Zheng Shengxun, both come from powerful duke families and are leading figures of the new generation, each leading a knightly academy. Previously, I was speculating about who His Highness was dining with, but now I understand.

“None of you called me, Obent, Hadith, has His Highness arrived?” Simmons stood up and laughed.

Both the Sitt and Zheng families are dukes, while the highest rank of the George family ancestors was marquis. However, George was once very powerful, controlling the kingdom's intelligence department. Later, he made some mistakes, chose the wrong side, and became an earl. Now, most of the intelligence gathering is in the hands of the Zheng family, with some in the hands of the George family. However, due to their excellent performance in the Church Council incident, the George family has stabilized. Moreover, intelligence power cannot be controlled by one family. The Zheng and George families are now checking and balancing each other.

So although Simmons is a bit lacking in this circle, no one is foolish enough to look down on him. Moreover, obtaining the divine relic during the trip to the secret fortress is a plus. If he gets a good opportunity, the George family could certainly make a great use of him.

The Zheng family also knew that suppression was necessary, but not to the point of annihilation. The same competition was also unfolding between Zheng Shengxun and Simmons. Prince Aklis had finally come out to invite the brothers from the Eternal and Rongze Knight Academies to a gathering. His Highness was going to be late because of other matters. Unexpectedly, Simmons also got involved. Zheng Shengxun came over partly to find out the situation and when Simmons had become close to the prince. Maintaining the George family's half-dead state was in the best interests of the Zheng family.

"You don't have that much influence, Celia. We've invited you so many times, but you've always ignored us. Simmons is a boring guy. It would be much more fun if you played with us." Aubert came for Celia. Celia's beauty and talent were quite famous in aristocratic circles; otherwise, she wouldn't have been chosen as a companion to the royal family. Aubert wouldn't say he fell in love with Celia at first sight, but the longer he got to know her, the more he liked this unique girl with her own style. Other women were too boring; they were all the same.

“Then you have to join the Holy Zeal Academy first. The threshold for your Rongze Knight Academy is too high. I can’t get in.” Celia said calmly. She had actually been to Rongze Knight Academy. Among the many nobles, she didn’t dislike Aubert. This person could be blunt at times, but he wasn’t that roundabout.

"Is this matter not going to be resolved? That kid was beaten so badly by me that he couldn't get out of bed for a month. He's definitely learned his lesson. I apologize, okay? His Highness is treating today. Let's go to our place." The usually hot-tempered Auburn was not at all explosive at this moment.

Locke and the others were unhappy. "You guys eat your food, we've already started, Celia isn't going over there," Locke said directly.

This amused Auburn. "Kid, that's interesting. What's your name?"

"Locke!" Locke patted his chest and said, "Protecting the goddess, I'm absolutely not a coward."

Auburn laughed, of course he wouldn't take this hothead as an opponent, nor did he intend to cause trouble in this place.

“You are only able to sit here because of His Highness the Prince’s influence. Simmons, you and Celia should have gone over and waited for His Highness to arrive. How could you start eating here first?” Zheng Shengxun said with a smile.

That hits the nail on the head. It's one thing for Simmons and Celia not to know, but it's another for them to know and not to go over, which would be considered inconsiderate. Simmons didn't go over because he was afraid of disturbing them, but now Zheng Shengxun has pointed out that if they don't go over, what does it mean if Ackles finds out?
It seems rather impolite of me to let this go after being pointed at by Zheng Shengxun.

Auburn tried to smooth things over, but Celia snorted, "Zheng Shengxun, speak like a human being. Don't try to kill someone by attacking their spirit. His Highness Aklis is broad-minded and doesn't care about such things. An outsider is always an outsider, full of schemes and tricks. Auburn, if you hang out with him all the time, be careful that one day you'll be sold out and still be counting money for him."

Zheng Shengxun smiled, not angry at all. "Obtain, you'd better be careful when you're with me."

Aubert glared at Zheng Shengxun. "Old Zheng, stop with the act. Celia is my friend, and you're my friend too. Don't act like fighting cocks the moment you meet. Can't we just talk things out?"

"No!" Zheng Shengxun and Celia said almost in unison. Zheng Shengxun did not consider Celia an opponent, but looked at Simmons. "Your Highness may be unconventional, but a subject cannot be without respect. You are too casual. Whether it is an outsider or an insider, a subject is a subject!"

A single sentence blocked the way. Even though Aklis was a magnanimous person, no royalty was truly indifferent. Being casual meant lacking respect and awe.

Of course, this little thing may not seem like a big deal, but once suspicion arises, it's as if Simmons has completely ruined any remaining goodwill he had with Aklis.

Apart from Locke, who was still in a daze, everyone else present realized what was happening, but no one dared to interrupt. Everyone said that the Zheng family was ruthless and could kill over the smallest things, and it seemed that the saying was true.

Just then, someone tapped on the table. "Xiao Zheng, it's been years! You've cured your shyness so quickly! I'm hungry, can't I eat first?"

A deathly silence fell over the entire room. Everyone looked at Li Xin, Xiao... Zheng?

(End of this chapter)