The gathering knew their table wasn't the main table, yet it didn't dampen their excitement; especially with the grace of His Highness the Prince, the atmosphere was filled with prestige, heightening their anticipation for the dishes.

The starters began to arrive as waiters carried delicate trays. Li Xin mused that these plates could certainly fetch a good price if sold. On each plate rested an exquisite small bowl containing the first starter, and Manager Roger appeared with a smile on his face.

"Here is the first dish, 'Flower of Life.' Mr. Paul Bocuse pioneered the romantic and refined style of cuisine in Dao Yuan, blending art with flavor. A unique trait of Mr. Bocuse's dishes is the mystical effects they may have on kindred spirits, such as curing chronic illnesses. Let us praise the Earth Mother Goddess for her blessings," Roger introduced.

Everyone raised their voices in praise of the Earth Mother Goddess, Lisanna Luo. The bowl containing the Flower of Life was already placed in front of them. Roger continued his introduction, "The Flower of Life is crafted from tender fire salamander spine, paired with a seafood broth and accompanied by a secret spicy sauce. Please, esteemed guests, enjoy."

After speaking, Roger leaned down beside Simmons, "Mr. Simmons, His Highness the Prince has not yet arrived."

Simmons nodded and focused on savoring the delicacy before him. The fire salamander is an extremely rare Awakened creature, and its spine is indeed tender and succulent, its rich aroma having been nurtured at the mouth of a volcano, yet completely devoid of greasiness, making it a top-tier noble delicacy. The seafood broth was extraordinary as well. The old nobles are all gourmands; upon sampling a bit with a small spoon, one could identify at least five types of seafood as the base of the broth, with lobster and abalone serving as basics, hence the manager didn't elaborate. Simmons tasted carefully. Upon entering the mouth, it was initially just flavorful, then the taste burst in the mouth, enveloping it in a profound aroma that trailed down the throat with a hint of warmth, followed by a refreshing rush to the head. In an instant, the aroma and flavor in the mouth melded together, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Everyone at the table squinted their eyes. Rock blinked his large eyes... he swallowed in one swoop, and the taste hadn't fully spread before it reached his intestines. Others were slowly savoring, enjoying the burst of flavor the food brought.

Rock glanced around. Lancer truly understood gourmet food, eating the slowest and with particular order. Feeling the heat of Rock's intense gaze, he shielded his dish with his left hand, as if the other's gaze could evaporate the aroma of the food.

Just the first starter already had everyone exclaiming in enjoyment; it was completely different from any prior dining experiences, utterly transformative.

Li Xin also found his mouth awash with delightful flavors. Damn, how could something taste this good? Moreover, it left the body feeling incredibly comfortable. There must be something mystical behind it; judging by the beneficial effects, the chef was definitely an Awakened individual, likely one specializing in culinary arts.

Ever since his brief success with Kung Pao Chicken, Li Xin's confidence had surged for a while, considering he might pursue a path as a chef. Now, thinking about it, it's better to remain rational.

The waiters timed it perfectly, allowing guests ample moments for tasting and reflection. They weren't here to fill their bellies, but to relish the experience. Yet there were exceptions, like Li Xin and Rock, both genuinely there to eat well and fill fully.

The second dish was Dragon and Phoenix Dance, a chilled dish, crafted to resemble a dragon and phoenix entwined, made from vines of green and red that were extraordinarily lifelike, calling to mind pieces of art.

"This dish was inspired by Mr. Bocuse during his travels through several federations in Liru, drawing from ancient texts. It symbolizes auspicious soaring. The best way to enjoy this dish is to first smell it and then eat it, resulting in a unique effect," Roger explained before respectfully stepping aside.

The first starter already provided ample amazement, so no one was pretentious, following the recommended method straightforwardly, bringing the dish to their noses. Initially, there was a fresh, sweet wine aroma, immediately followed by a stimulating spicy note, the aromas blending together, and everyone couldn't wait any longer. Rock and Li Xin, having learned, observed Simmons and savored slowly.

???

The stem-looking elements of vibrant green and red plants actually contained wine. The exterior had a certain crunchiness, not just a mere thin layer, carrying a touch of refreshment and sweetness, while the wine spilled out in the middle, leaving one exuberantly tipsy—entirely intoxicating!

With just two starters, they'd already conquered everyone present, no wonder so many flock eagerly, with counts and marquises willing to queue. This is true gastronomy. What had they been eating before this?

"Mr. Roger, my eyes have been opened. My family has been in maritime trade for generations, traversing Dao Yuan, believing we understood gastronomy, but today our horizons were truly broadened. Mr. Bocuse could rightfully be called the first in Dao Yuan!" Lancer raised a thumb in admiration, conquered entirely, intending to write an article for submission to the Hedan Daily and the Hex Bird Report.

"We appreciate Mr. Palu's sentiment. Mr. Bocuse often states that there is no boundary in gastronomy, always questing for its ultimate realm. The insights of Count Palu in gastronomy are well-regarded, and we hope you might offer valuable feedback after the meal," Roger replied respectfully.

Suddenly, the fire in everyone's gaze towards Lancer raged a bit brighter; Lancer hadn't expected the other party to be so well-informed about him, winning him over thoroughly.

"Not at all. I'll partake in and appreciate this culinary journey with gratitude," Lancer responded, adopting a gourmand's perspective.

Flavor and fragrance aren't enough to describe it; the creativity invested is equally profound, blending cultures from various lands.

A knock came at the door, and a waiter stepped in, "Visitors have arrived."

A hearty laugh echoed from outside, "Simmons, long time no see! You're too condescending, not hanging out with us anymore."

Two young men in dashing knight attire entered, casting teasing glances at Simmons.

Moncalleta's second-ranking Fire Duke Aubent Seater and fourth-ranking Wind Duke Zheng Shengxun, both from influential ducal families, are leading figures of the new generation, each heading a Knight Academy.

Originally guessing who was dining with the Prince, now it's clear.

"You didn't call me, Aubent, Shengxun, has the Prince arrived?" Simmons stood up and said with a smile.

The Seater Family and Zheng Family are dukes, while the highest rank of the George Family's ancestors was marquis. However, former generations of the Georges were very powerful, controlling the Kingdom's intelligence department. Later, due to some setbacks and misalignments, they became counts. Currently, the major intelligence gathering is mostly controlled by the Zheng Family, with a part in the George Family. However, due to their excellent token gesture in the Canon Law School incident, the George Family stabilized, and the intelligence authority is unlikely to be in the hands of a single family. Now, the Zheng Family and George Family are balancing each other.

Therefore, while Simmons might lack a bit of prestige in this circle, nobody is foolish enough to look down on him. Moreover, the acquisition of the Divine Relic during the Secret Castle expedition is a bonus. With a good opportunity, the George Family might also have a chance to rise significantly.

The Zheng Family knows this well, restraint is necessary, but not to the point of suppression. The same competition also unfolds between Zheng Shengxun and Simmons. Prince Achilles rarely has outings and invited the brothers from the Eternal and Saint's Grace Knight Academies for a gathering. Since the Prince will be late due to matters, Simmons unexpectedly joined in. Zheng Shengxun came somewhat to understand the situation, questioning when Simmons got close with the Prince. Keeping the George Family half-alive suits the Zheng Family's interest best.

"You don't have that much influence, Celestia, we've invited you many times, but you ignore us. Simmons is quite boring; playing with us is definitely more fun." Aubent's attention was drawn to Celestia. Her beauty and talent are well-known in the noble circles, or she wouldn't have been selected for the royal palace as a companion. Aubent, although not instantly smitten, grew increasingly fond of this distinctive and stylish girl over time. Other women seemed dull and similar.

"You must first join the Saint Grace Canon Law School; your Saint's Grace Knight Academy's threshold is too high for me to cross." Celestia said mildly. She had indeed visited the Saint's Grace Knight Academy. Among many nobles, she didn't dislike Aubent; his words sometimes were blunt but straightforward.

"What's unlikely is that guy I made bed-ridden for a month learned his lesson. I admit I was wrong. Today the Prince is hosting, let's go to our place." Aubent, known for his fiery temper, showed no signs of anger.

Rock and the others were displeased, "You eat yours; we've already started. Celestia isn't going over." Rock said plainly.

This amused Aubent, "Kid, you're quite interesting, what's your name?"

"Rock!" Rock thumped his chest and said, protecting the goddess without backing down.

Aubent laughed heartily, not treating such a young hothead as an opponent and having no intention of causing trouble.

"You being able to sit here is entirely because of the Prince's favor. Simmons, you and Celestia should go over to wait for him; it's only polite." Zheng Shengxun smiled and said.

He hit the nail on the head; Simmons and Celestia were unaware of it, but knowing now and not going over would be inconsiderate. Simmons refrained from going to avoid disturbance. Now that Zheng Shengxun pointed it out, if they didn't go, Achilles would be informed —what would that imply?

Spoken by Zheng Shengxun, even going now seems awkward.

Aubent wanted to smooth things over, but Celestia snorted coldly, "Zheng Shengxun, speak plainly, don't use psychological warfare. Prince Achilles is broad-minded and informal; he wouldn't mind this. Outsiders will always be outsiders, filled with schemes. Aubent, be careful hanging out with him; you might get sold and still count his money."

Zheng Shengxun chuckled, unfazed, "Aubent, then you should be cautious interacting with me too."

Aubent glared at Zheng Shengxun, "Old Zheng, stop with the antics. Celestia is my friend and so are you. Can't you two talk properly instead of fighting like roosters every time you meet?"

"Not possible!" Zheng Shengxun and Celestia almost said in unison. Zheng Shengxun didn't view Celestia as a rival. He looked at Simmons, "A prince may be carefree, but as subjects, one must have respect. You're too casual; whether outsiders or insiders, subjects are still subjects!"

With one sentence, he closed the route. Even though Achilles was broad-minded, royal families never truly disregard matters; being casual signifies a lack of respect and awe within.

Though this minor issue may not be significant, suspicion, once arising, would exhaust Simmons's rapport with Prince Achilles gained from the Secret Castle.

Everyone except those like Rock, who hadn't realized yet, understood. But no one dared to intervene rashly; it's said that the Zheng Family is ruthless, with trivial matters capable of causing harm—seems truthful indeed.

At this moment, someone knocked on the table, "Little Zheng, haven't seen you for years; your shyness cured so swiftly? I'm hungry, can't we eat yet?"

Instantly, the scene went dead silent; everyone looked at Li Xin. Little Zheng?

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