"I originally go by Li Xin, don't randomly give me nicknames," Li Xin said, "This deer meat is absolutely amazing, how can it taste so good?"

"Whoa, what deer meat? Mine's beef???" Achilles' eyes widened as he looked at Roger who was serving beside him.

Roger quickly bowed, "Your Highness, Mr. Bocuse said it's been a long time since he met someone like Avogadro, and believes Your Highness can understand. This deer meat was captured from the extreme northern plateau of Tebaten, it's extremely rare, and is a treasure of the master. Last time, it was served to His Majesty and the Cardinal Archbishop; there's just this much left now."

Achilles unabashedly sliced off a piece, "Then I must give it a try."

Li Xin quickly guarded the remaining portion, "Mine!"

"I paid for it!"

"Mr. Bocuse said this part is on him," Roger timidly whispered.

Li Xin proudly indulged in the remaining deer meat; what a divine delicacy. The tender meat had a chewy texture, and as he chewed, it suddenly melted in his mouth. It was fragrant but not greasy, a pure aroma unlike any flavor he'd tasted before, making him want to recite a poem. He grabbed a drink nearby and gulped it down, feeling great.

Roger felt heartbroken, feeling his teeth could shatter. Who eats like this? It's like a work of art, and they're carelessly devouring it; it's like feeding a cow peonies, a terrible waste.

No wonder they say that those who understand can't eat it, and those who eat it don't need to understand.

Only Li Xin and Achilles were chatting away, with Aubent and Simmons occasionally chiming in, while Zheng Shengxun suddenly turned into a quiet handsome man.

Achilles was already over an hour late, and by the time they finished this meal, it was very late. Everyone knew the prince still had matters to attend to, so they sensibly took their leave.

"Mr. Li, please wait a moment, Mr. Bocuse will tidy up a bit and be out shortly," Roger respectfully said.

Outside, everyone got into their carriages. Achilles also came down and didn't put on airs in this regard, patting Simmons on the shoulder, "If you can keep him, I'll owe you one, I can tell he holds you in high regard."

Beside him, Zheng Shengxun's eyes showed jealousy, but at this time, he didn't dare speak recklessly. If it were someone else, he would definitely try to sow discord.

Simmons smiled wryly, "Your Highness, I'm a bit confused now, but I'll do my best!"

"Good lad, meet more often. We're old friends now; in terms of being proactive, learn more from Shengxun." Achilles waved his hand; he still had unfinished business to return to.

Zheng Shengxun looked at Simmons, ignoring Celestia who was unaware and still celebrating beside him, "The prince places his trust in you, don't let him down."

Simmons chuckled, "You sound so mature, one might mistake it for His Majesty's tone."

Zheng Shengxun glanced at Simmons, feeling defied by this effeminate guy, with everyone watching, he didn't argue. He lost today, but he'll find a way another time.

At this moment, Li Xin was feeling a bit impatient, but thinking there might be a chance to eat such delicious food again in the future, he held back. Achilles returned fairly quickly, encountering Paul Bocuse, the head chef of Lanuo Restaurant, at the door.

Bocuse was a wiry little old man, with a rosy face, black hair, but white eyebrows and a small mustache. After exchanging greetings with Achilles, he looked earnestly at Li Xin.

"Esteemed Mr. Avogadro, are you satisfied with today's meal?" Bocuse asked very politely, with a curious glint in his eye.

Li Xin also looked at this legendary chef. Although his appearance didn't reveal much, his vitality was undoubtedly strong for an Awakened capable of creating spiritual food, an especially unique ability.

"The food was great, just a bit small in portion. My name is Li Xin, don't call me by a nickname," Li Xin said.

"Certainly, Mr. Li. Next time, I'll design the portion size just for you, and I hope you'll continue to support our little restaurant," Bocuse said sincerely, pulling a wooden spoon from his pocket, "This is a membership token for our special members, please be sure to accept it."

Achilles' eyes gleamed, "Ahem, Bocuse, that's not fair at all. I've supported your business so many times, not giving me one is just unreasonable."

"Prince, if I could give you one, I would have done it already. You know certain things are meant for specific individuals only," Bocuse smiled slightly, "Rest assured, should you need anything, Bocuse is always at your service."

"Li Xin, just keep it. This is a gourmet's pass. With this, you are the top VIP at any gourmet's restaurant on the Dao Yuan Continent," Achilles said, "Bocuse, you're quite adept at handling people."

Achilles felt a bit sour, evidently, in the eyes of the Gourmet Association bigwigs, Li Xin held more weight.

Bocuse smiled slightly, "Your Highness, after some time, you'll know I'm indeed adept at handling people."

This should be an Awakened who follows the path of the gourmet. Li Xin held the spoon, thinking he'd make a notch to hang it on his waist later, so he wouldn't forget it.

"Thank you, Mr. Bogute. I'll definitely come back if I have the chance." Li Xin still politely thanked him, no matter what, the man had given him an extra meal today.

"It is my honor, esteemed Avogadro, the light of the Secret Castle." Bogute said happily, "Then I won't disturb you two any longer."

As soon as Bogute left, the entire restaurant was cleared out, leaving only Li Xin and Achilles. Achilles looked at Li Xin with shock still in his eyes, "Almost everyone thought you were dead. Of course, not me. I always suspected you might be alive. If they knew you weren't dead, it would cause a huge commotion in the Secret Castle. Where have you been these years? Secretly training? Damn!"

As he spoke, Achilles lost some of his confidence. His foundation was built on the Secret Castle, his growth on the Holy Hall, but where had Li Xin been these years, and what had he done?

"How much is a meal here?" Li Xin asked.

"Huh? Oh, five bucks maybe, but if it's special ingredients, like your dish, it could be fifty to a hundred bucks. But these gourmets are a pain, they completely base it on their mood and who they serve, not fair at all." Achilles said, the sourness in his voice not gone yet.

On the Dao Yuan Continent, depending on the roads, there were ancient and powerful secret organizations. Even royalty had to show them respect. Of course, these organizations never meddled in power struggles, which was their philosophy for long-term survival.

Sometimes, there would also be interactions among these secret organizations. For example, Mr. Bocuse was from the Secret Castle and later became one of the elders of the Gourmet Association. Their cuisine was not only delicious but could even save lives, or kill invisibly.

Li Xin nodded, "Fair enough."

A few seconds later, Li Xin's expression changed, damn!

No business is innocent, what a rip-off!

Suddenly he lost interest in the place, "Let's head back, Your Highness, come to Saint's Grace if you have time."

Looking at Achilles, who suddenly lost interest too, he didn't know what had happened. Could it be there was something he failed to perceive???

A flicker ran through Achilles' mind, where did he make a mistake?

Oh no, on the first meeting today and already a misstep?

Li Xin left, not waiting for Achilles. Damn, this guy has a carriage, and he has to hail one himself. He wasn't even sure if there were carriages here, and the main worry was not whether there were, but would he get ripped off?

Suddenly, a smile bloomed on Li Xin's face because he saw the adorable Master Simmons, a bond of brotherhood for life.

"Brother Li, over here, you guys done?" Of course, Simmons hadn't left. He stopped at the corner, letting others go back first. He and Celestia were naturally waiting for Li Xin to come out. Of course, if Li Xin left with the Prince, they wouldn't have minded.

"Done, it's a total rip-off!" Li Xin felt like he lost a lot. Do gourmets make this much money? Others work themselves to the bone on their path, but these guys, just eating and drinking, get rich.

Simmons didn't quite follow the sudden change of tone; the chef seemed so respectful towards Li Xin.

"Is it too expensive?" Celestia on the side caught on to the issue.

"Isn't it?" Li Xin asked.

Celestia giggled, "You're an interesting person, Brother Li. Why do they all hold you in such respect? I asked Simmons, but he wouldn't say a word. Can you help me figure it out?"

When a beautiful girl looks at you with eyes full of admiration, it can be quite hard to refuse. Li Xin forced a smile and waved his hand, "There is no truth in the secret world; maybe they are nice to me today, but they might strike me tomorrow."

"And you trust Simmons just like that?" Celestia asked curiously, ignoring Simmons desperately winking in the background.

"Our Master Simmons is different," Li Xin laughed.

In the carriage, Celestia was curious like a child, asking non-stop, especially interested in what "Avogadro" meant. Interestingly, His Highness the Prince would call him that, and Zheng Shengxun seemed to know but held back as if the name was toxic.

Simmons sighed, "Celestia, this is a secret title from the Secret Castle, holding special meaning. These titles all have their cause and effect, and mentioning them without being at that level or destiny could involve you. Brother Li, is my explanation okay?"

Li Xin rubbed his stomach. How to say it—it was amazing during the meal, but afterward, he still missed Aunt Fei's braised beef brisket, "Actually, I'm an atheist, but well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Whatever you say, it is."

Simmons and Celestia were startled, what kind of talk was that, terrifying.

Celestia knew Simmons wouldn't harm her and understood that secret names likely carried hidden powers, so she wisely refrained from asking more. Achilles could disregard it, but one would have to reach Achilles' level first.

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