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CHAPTER 07
‘Rice like this…?’
The Emperor had only ever eaten rice in two forms.
Rice pudding and pilaf—rice stir-fried with meat.
Rice pudding was popular in the north, while pilaf was a favorite dish in the south.
But neither of them resembled the rice he had just discovered inside the chicken.
Carefully, the Emperor scooped up a spoonful of the cooked rice along with chestnuts.
“Hoh.”
An exclamation escaped him instinctively.
The soft rice, sweet chestnuts, and rich chicken broth blended together in perfect harmony.
The Emperor could not stop eating until his stomach was full.
It had been so long since he felt the urge to keep eating something because it was delicious that he couldn’t restrain himself.
Eventually, only bones remained in the bowl, and only then did he lift his head with a reluctant expression.
A young chef, Heidi, was glancing at him nervously, her cheeks slightly flushed.
The Emperor acknowledged that she was far beyond his expectations.
He had hired her only because she occasionally made those “cookies” that reminded him of Selene’s sweets—but her skills far exceeded that.
He patted his now-full stomach and asked in a pleased voice:
“This is a dish I’ve never tasted before. What is it called?”
Perhaps the question was unexpected, as Heidi’s eyes darted around nervously.
“It… it’s just chicken soup.”
“Just chicken soup?”
“Yes. It’s just a variation of ordinary chicken soup.”
The Emperor narrowed his eyes.
Comparing this miraculous dish to the bland chicken soup he had been served all his life felt like an insult to cuisine itself.
Perhaps, despite being a disgraced noble lady, she was too shy to take pride in her cooking.
If so, he would have to acknowledge her achievements himself.
Javez Obern slowly spoke. His voice, carrying the dignity of an Emperor who had ruled for a lifetime, filled the room.
“Nonsense. This cannot be called ordinary. From now on, I shall name it Royal Chicken Soup.”
“…!”
Gasps echoed from all directions.
The Emperor met each astonished gaze as if refusing any objection.
I also pretended to be surprised.
If even Calios reacted like that, then this must truly be an extraordinary honor.
And seeing Rodolf glare at me with obvious dissatisfaction, it seemed like a significant distinction indeed.
Rodolf had the talent of making people dislike him within hours of meeting them.
Slowly, Rodolf spoke.
“Anything labeled ‘royal’ is a tremendous honor. You should be grateful, chef, to His Majesty.”
“…Thank you.”
The Emperor didn’t seem bothered by my formal tone.
“It is nothing. A dish this fine could not be left with such a plain name as chicken soup.”
I agreed with him—but since I couldn’t exactly say its real name was samgyetang, I stayed silent.
The Emperor wiped his mouth with a white handkerchief and turned to Rodolf.
“I would like to hold a banquet featuring this dish as the main course. What do you think?”
“Your Majesty…!”
Rodolf was no longer dissatisfied—instead, he looked ecstatic.
I frowned.
I couldn’t understand why he was so happy over just a banquet.
What is this?
Rodolf stepped forward eagerly.
“Your Majesty, are you truly certain?”
“We cannot leave everything to Hyperion forever.”
At that unfamiliar name, my body shivered.
Hyperion Obern—the male protagonist.
So he was already holding real power at this stage.
If the Emperor died as in the original story, Calios’ downfall would be inevitable.
I briefly considered whether there was any way to cure the Emperor’s illness, then shook my head.
I wasn’t a doctor.
Of course I had no medical knowledge.
Still… maybe if he keeps eating properly, his condition might improve.
I decided to focus on what I could do—cooking.
The Emperor coughed lightly.
“Of course, if it is too burdensome, you may decline. You have only just become the royal chef…”
“…Pardon?”
I blinked blankly, having completely lost track of the conversation.
Calios nudged me and whispered:
“He means you should prepare the banquet.”
“…Your Majesty,” I said carefully.
“While I am grateful, this is far beyond what I deserve…”
I tried to sound polite.
But the Emperor laughed warmly.
“Nonsense. After presenting such a dish, it would be inappropriate to call you unworthy.”
His gaze drifted slightly.
“If Selene were alive, she would have loved this soup…”
At the mention of the deceased Empress, who had been spoken of with deep affection, I had no choice but to accept.
“I will do my best.”
As soon as I left the Emperor’s chamber, I pressed a hand to my forehead.
I had only just become royal chef, and already I was being asked to prepare a banquet.
Judging by Rodolf and Calios’ reactions, it seemed quite unusual for the Emperor’s personal chef to handle something like this.
At least the main dish—samgyetang—was already decided.
Still, I couldn’t afford to ruin the rest.
I would prepare appetizers and dessert carefully.
This could actually be a good opportunity.
I didn’t plan to stay a royal chef forever. Once I saved enough money, I would open my own restaurant.
If this banquet succeeded, my reputation would rise.
While I was thinking, Calios placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry about anything.”
“Huh?”
I blinked.
Not because of the touch—but because Calios Obern was actually comforting someone?
“This banquet is simply to announce the Emperor’s recovery. No one will care what you make.”
What?
His tone almost sounded like he expected my food to be disappointing.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
Before I could respond, he quickly added:
“So don’t feel pressured.”
“…I see.”
I nodded.
The misunderstanding cleared quickly.
Calios simply didn’t know I was a skilled chef.
No—there was no need for me to be modest.
I was a great chef.
Before possessing this body, I had even run a restaurant so popular people needed waiting tickets.
I wasn’t someone who should be worried about a single banquet.
“Follow me,” I said.
Calios hesitated, but followed.
Soon, we arrived at the kitchen.
I walked toward the chicken I had prepared earlier.
Calios watched me with curiosity.
“You think my cooking was just luck, don’t you?”
