This meal truly opened the eyes of everyone at the Saint Grace Canon Law School. Every dish crafted by Chef Bocuse surprisingly carried a cultural background, representing the unique features of different places.
Since it was held in Hedan, the main course was of course a creative dish from Moncalleta, but there were also dishes from the Li Long United Kingdom, the Black Meteor Empire, and several Northern Country states of the Tan Empire. Although they didn't understand these countries deeply, Li Xin knew that the two dishes from Li Long were very authentic, an uncanny mastery that could not be achieved merely through hearsay.
Despite this, Li Xin and Simmons were both not pleased; Li Xin was not satisfied with the portion sizes—seriously, was he being treated like a little bird with a small stomach? Isn't the point of eating to get full?
Simmons, on the other hand, was constantly uneasy, and his mind couldn't rest. Even the most delicious food's effect was halved. Celestia, however, wasn't troubled by such thoughts; whatever managed to happen would occur, and nothing could alter those outcomes, but the process could be controlled. Worrying served no purpose. As for Li Xin, upon returning, Simmons would have to dig deep to extract his background, even if it required intense methods.
Suddenly, bustling noise came from the next door. Evidently, the main guest, Prince Achilles, had arrived, and Simmons hastily stood up to greet him, not wanting Zheng Shengxun to sow discord firsthand.
In noble circles, one could be lacking, but leaving a poor impression on the royal family was unacceptable.
"Young Master Simmons, sit down; we haven't finished the dessert yet." Li Xin smiled, "Wasting food is a grave crime; I'll accompany you in a moment."
Simmons nodded awkwardly, aware of his lack of composure. He couldn't rush ahead now; appearing anxious would only worsen his image with the Prince, even though he understood the rationale, his heart remained unsettled as he contemplated how to craft his words later.
Suddenly, quietness fell across from him, and soon a knock echoed at the door.
In came Manager Roger, a follower of Chef Bocuse. Despite having traveled to many countries and witnessed significant events, this strange affair was his first time encountering something like it today.
"Mr. Simmons, there is another honored guest; the Prince asks if it would be convenient to offer a toast?"
One could easily imagine the change in expressions among the attendees. Roger himself knew well that such words sounded bold, considering Moncalleta had undergone a series of reforms with the royal family adopting a more approachable image, yet the royal dignity remained unquestionable, almost supreme.
Simmons looked at Li Xin, knowing the question wasn't directed at him. He wouldn't dare behave so presumptuously even if granted a hundred audacities.
"Let him come," Li Xin said.
Laughter filled the air from outside the door as Prince Achilles, the most famed second prince of Hedan, entered holding a wine glass. Everyone present swiftly stood and bowed in respect.
Achilles looked at Li Xin, and Li Xin looked back at Achilles.
"Haha, I reckoned you wouldn't just die, Avogadro. We've met again—this is the happiest thing this year!" Achilles said. "Stand up, there's no need for formalities. Simmons, you sly fellow, undertaking such a significant matter quietly—I'm quite eager to see how the Saint's Grace Canon Law School performs this year."
The members of the Eternal Knight Order and the Saint Grace Knight Order hovered outside. With His Highness present, how could they sit at ease? There were simply too many people to fit inside.
Li Xin stood, raising his glass. "Why do I feel like your smile isn't sincere? I thought you all hoped never to see me again."
"Come on, not at all. If anyone, it's Roland Caesar and Skorpen. Yan Tianguang and I have always been in a friendly rivalry." Achilles raised his glass, and the two gently clinked them before draining the fine wine within.
Achilles glanced at the table, noting the nearing conclusion of the meal. "Would you like to come to my place for more food? The chef here is a bit unique. The dishes are tasty, but the portions are lacking. I can't exactly force him to add dishes. Simmons should join us; it's been a while since we gathered."
While acknowledging himself as an add-on, Simmons felt a surge of joy internally. It seemed Brother Li had a closer relationship with the Second Prince than imagined.
"Simmons, would you like to come?" Li Xin asked with a laugh.
Whether it was Achilles or the faces behind him like Zheng Shengxun and Aubent, they all had subtle changes in expression.
"Brother Li, please don't tease me. Your Highness, it would be my honor. Upon hearing of your return, I've been eager to have an audience with you." Simmons was startled, realizing there was no room for showing off here.
"Haha, then let's go together," Achilles said. Adding two people meant having two fewer elsewhere—such small matters didn't even require further mention by him.
The group left to head toward Achilles' suite, leaving Celestia, Lancer, and Rock behind, exchanging bewildered glances and feeling mentally strained.
How many people worldwide could prompt Prince Achilles to come over proactively for a toast?
Does Li Xin have another identity?
Roland Caesar? The Crown Prince of the Black Meteor Empire!
Skorpen? The Third Prince of the Taptan Empire!
Yan Tianguang? The heir of the Yan family and a military leader from the Li Long United Kingdom!
Judging from the Prince's tone, what sort of rivalry does he have with Li Xin? Are the two intending to kill Li Xin?
Aubent was filled with curiosity. Zheng Shengxun certainly knew something, and Simmons seemed capable, hiding a trump card that signaled clear discomfort for Shengxun. Such royal attention was about to change the game.
Wait, didn't this mean he and Celestia had more opportunities?
"Simmons, you're indeed quite something, secretly finding such talent yet not sharing with us. If we stumble big time, it will be unpleasant," Aubent jested.
Simmons smiled wryly, "Aubent, I'm a bit baffled myself." Though he vaguely knew something, he hadn't anticipated this outcome.
Achilles patted Simmons on the shoulder, "This is quite an achievement!"
For a unique presence like Li Xin without direct conflict of interest, Achilles naturally expressed goodwill. If Li Xin stayed in Hedan and served the royal house, that'd be a grand accomplishment, but it's not easy. Those who have ventured far on hidden paths seldom conform to worldly constraints, much like the chef here—though their paths diverged.
The group seated themselves, with Li Xin positioned in the guest of honor's seat. Zheng Shengxun gave a signal for two members to leave. Waiting for the Prince to speak would be ridiculous, but just then, Manager Roger rushed over.
"Your Highness, Mr. Bocuse mentioned there are distinguished guests, so he'll make two extra portions and will come to toast once he's done," Roger said respectfully.
Everyone was taken aback. Mr. Bocuse had profound connections, and many nobles wished to meet him after dining, yet he rarely appeared. Allegedly, he had only shown up on the first visit of the King and Queen, the Chief Cardinal Archbishop, and Prince Achilles—only when guests requested it.
This was his first unsolicited offer.
Achilles turned to Li Xin, "Seems like you hold real influence; despite differing paths, Mr. Bocuse also came from that place, an elder indeed."
Some understood, some didn't, but those who didn't dared not ask.
"What influence, just borrowing prestige," Li Xin said. "More noteworthy is your evident change— I anticipated a confrontation upon meeting."
"Wouldn't dare. We've all grown, but essentials shouldn't be forsaken. I'll prepare thoroughly for an appropriate time," Achilles replied.
Li Xin nodded, "You know, there is always an alternative. Our paths aren't the same."
Achilles shook his head, "Had I not seen you, perhaps, but encountering you and backing down would leave a shadow. Moreover, I feel over sixty to seventy percent sure now."
Great food unmistakably delivers; even experiencing it again is equally stunning. Nevertheless, everyone noticed Li Xin's portion differed from others, which irked Achilles slightly, as it defies the essentials of a Gourmet—treating food impartially. This will certainly need addressing.
Zheng Shengxun and Aubent weren't first-timers, though the menu varies each time, with the chef choosing top seasonal ingredients and adding new creations and inspiration. Yet, today's focus wasn't on the meal itself.
Li Xin ignored all that, delightfully indulging—especially since it was free. He observed Simmons, who was full, and even consumed Simmons' main dish. Achilles was no different; for him, a meal means eating heartily, and he was hungry, having spent much energy, excited to see Avogadro.
"Is your name now Li Xin?"
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