The head chef cleared his throat politely and stepped forward with a respectful bow. "If I may, honored guests, when it cos to sushi, eating with your hands is not only acceptable but often preferred. I consider it the purest way for my guests to experience my craft. We would be honored if you chose to forego the formalities and enjoy the food in its most authentic form."
Then he looked at Lira and smiled, "Furthermore, the fish is ant to be eaten raw. We are very careful to ensure their freshness."
Both Naira and Lira’s eyes lit up imdiately.
They looked toward Vespera and Kaiden as if seeking permission.
Vespera said nothing, her expression remaining neutral as she took a asured bite of her own piece.
Kaiden smiled warmly. "You can listen to him; he’s not saying this just to make you feel better. I’ve heard that so of the best sushi chefs actually prefer their guests to eat with their hands. It lets them ensure you experience exactly what they intended; the temperature, the texture, the balance of flavors - all without anything getting in the way."
Naira and Lira bead.
Without hesitation, they both reached for their plates with their hands. Naira picked up a piece carefully and brought it to her mouth.
The mont she bit down, her eyes went wide.
"MMMM!!"
The sound was pure bliss, drawn out and filled with genuine shock at how delicious it was. Her whole face lit up as if she’d just discovered heaven on a plate. She chewed slowly, savoring every second, before swallowing with a dreamy expression.
Lira was only slightly more reserved, her eyes closing as she took her first bite. A soft hum of approval escaped her lips, and she nodded with quiet satisfaction. "This is... wonderful."
Naira was already reaching for her second piece, grinning widely. "I could eat this forever!"
"You say this like Vespera didn’t feed you similarly tasty food," Julia giggled slyly.
Instantly, the two Native Aricans gasped and looked at Vespera apologetically. "It’s not like that-"
"I understand. A new experience," Vespera cut in.
She didn’t feed them als like this on purpose, trying to give them similar dishes to what they were used to in order to ensure they felt as comfortable as possible. It was best to ensure a peaceful transition.
However, it looked like they were ready to begin experinting.
Then, the Shadow Monarch’s gaze traveled toward the Levander woman. Her eyes narrowed.
"Hehe!" Julia giggled instantly. "Okay, I won’t ss with them..." She even saluted.
"..."
’Wow. Julia really might just be Mother’s only friend...’ Kaiden noted inwardly as he saw the interaction.
Across the table, Lux had already stuffed three pieces into her mouth at once. Her cheeks bulged like a chipmunk’s as she chewed enthusiastically.
Kaiden looked at her with amusent. "So? Is this a good substitute for McDonald’s?"
Lux swallowed with effort and looked away, her expression unconvincing. "I’m... not sure..."
Kaiden chuckled. He knew exactly what she was doing. She wanted to keep the promise of McDonald’s afterward alive, which rested on her not liking the food here.
A tough order.
Bastet picked delicately at her piece, separating the fish from the rice with surgical precision. She ate the salmon and left the rice untouched. "The fish is truly exquisite," she purred. "But the carbs are a waste of stomach space. From here on, chefs, bring only sashimi."
The head chef stiffened. A thin sheen of sweat appeared at his temple as the words landed with more weight than they should have due to the tanned kitten emitting an unnatural aura of supre authority, stemming from her Manifestation of Dominion.
He bowed at once, deep and careful. "Of course, honored guest. Sashimi only."
Bastet inclined her head in acknowledgnt and offered a small, graceful smile. "Thank you."
Just like that, the pressure eased. The chefs straightened, breath returning, and the room felt normal again.
Calypso leaned over and hit Bastet in the side with her elbow. "Choco Kitty, stop using your powers on weaklings. Isn’t that illegal or sothing? You kept telling I shouldn’t chop them up even if they get on my nerves."
Bastet winced and rubbed her side, shooting her an annoyed look. "You damned brute!" She paused, then added more quietly, "I didn’t an to... I didn’t even realize I did it. I suppose I still need practice."
Calypso laughed and leaned back in her chair. "Rookie." She glanced at her plate and then at the remaining pieces. "I like the sushi, but can I get sothing more filling? These portions are tiny."
The head chef nodded quickly. "We will bring multiple rounds, esteed guest. This is just the first of many."
Calypso tilted her head and pointed across the table. "Yeah, but if I die of starvation while I watch the chipmunk over there eat at a geological pace, then that’s no good, is it?" Her eyes flicked toward Luna.
"Hah?!" Luna snapped, holding a piece halfway to her mouth. "I am savoring a gourt al. This is normal! Don’t bla for your beast-like taste buds that can’t appreciate sothing excellent. Kai should’ve just tossed you so dogfood."
The chef swallowed and wiped his brow with a handkerchief. "We can also prepare red at alongside the next servings, if that would be acceptable."
Calypso’s grin widened as she leaned back and folded her arms. "Perfect."
Luna then cald down and resud eating at her own pace. She, Aria, and Nyx sported truly nostalgic expressions. They exchanged glances with big smiles, clearly thinking back to their first sushi al together with the man who made it all possible.
The second course arrived shortly after.
"Emberclaw Tuna, E-rank," the head chef announced. "Caught from volcanic reef dungeons. The natural heat mana in the at has been preserved through flash-freezing. Served as nigiri with wasabi aioli and microgreens."
This ti, the fish had a subtle orange-red hue, and when Kaiden bit into it, he could taste the faint warmth that lingered even in its raw state. It was incredible.
Alexandra ate quietly, savoring each bite with visible appreciation. She looked relaxed now, her earlier anxiety completely forgotten as she lost herself in the experience.
Alice nibbled on her piece with careful deliberation, while Lux had already moved on to her next helping, joining Calypso in feasting on the red ats that were now brought out together with the small portions.
The third course ca on a larger platter.
"Stormfin Mackerel and Crystalshell Shrimp, both D-rank. The mackerel has been lightly seared to release its natural oils, while the shrimp has been marinated in citrus mana extract. Both are served over seasoned rice with a drizzle of black garlic reduction."
By the fourth course, the energy at the table had shifted into sothing warm and comfortable. Conversation flowed naturally between bites, laughter punctuated the air, and for a brief mont, the weight of competition and danger felt distant.
Kaiden smiled inwardly as he observed his companions.
This was exactly what they’d needed.
Not just food, but ti. Ti to breathe. Ti to be together without the pressure of the world bearing down on them.
The head chef stepped forward again with the next wave of dishes, and the feast continued long into the evening.
Then, once they filled their bellies and had the best culinary experience of their lives, it was ti for Kaiden and company to leave and co across a shocking encounter!
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