"Mr. Yila, regarding the food issue at Demon King City..."
Hilena, guiding the way, said this while her tail swayed behind her, "It's handled by Mr. Lime. He and his slimes are the only chefs in Demon King City. If the food doesn't suit your taste, please bear with us."
It sounded like Hilena hoped Yila would avoid any conflict with the chef named Lime.
"It's already beyond merely not suiting my taste. Your chef... seems to have no ability to select ingredients at all."
Saying this, Yila decided to have a serious discussion about food with the Demon King's chef. But the name... Lime? Could it be a slime?
*A slime? Using a slime without a taste system as a chef?!*
Yila thought this while following Hilena around corridor after corridor. Along the way, they encountered some maids, who gave curious looks toward Yila and Hilena.
After turning several corners and descending a flight of stairs, the two finally reached their destination.
In the kitchen, there was a group of small green slimes washing pots and stoves. Commanding these little slimes was a humanoid green gel-like creature, without facial features or body traits, making it hard to distinguish gender.
The humanoid slime wearing a chef's hat noticed Hilena and Yila arriving and turned to look at them. After nodding slightly, he greeted them in a voice difficult to identify as male or female, saying, "Good evening, Miss Hilena... and this guest."
It appeared he didn't recognize Yila...
"I want to talk with you about the banquet tonight."
Yila, who took food seriously, said this. Despite taking things seriously, he didn't think tonight's banquet was acceptable, "First, the salad. Sis Grass and snake fruit are common pairings, but..."
Before Yila could finish, the slime named Lime, already knew what Yila was going to point out, said, "The Sis Grass wasn't fresh enough, and the snake fruit was too bitter... I apologize, I'll do better next time."
Seeing Lime decisively admit his mistakes, Yila was taken aback, "Exactly, it's good you understand the importance, as the sweetness of..."
But before Yila could finish, Lime interrupted him again, simply stating, "Because the sweetness of Sis Grass is only apparent when tender, if the snake fruit is too sour, the entire salad is overwhelmed by its taste."
"..."
*Doesn't he understand perfectly?*
"Besides..."
Yila opened his mouth to point out other errors...
"Besides, the Blue Herb mushrooms weren't of good quality, the sauce for the meat used poor-quality mountain goat meat instead of the usual Rock Antelope, not paired with blueberry jam either."
Lime rattled off a bunch, knowing Yila came to nitpick but showing no sign of displeasure. Under Yila's puzzled gaze, he continued, almost incessantly:
"The goose meat was also old, not seasoned with sage, the fruits were served raw like civilians instead of being seasoned, and..."
"..."
Listening to Lime continuously point out his own issues, Yila eventually spoke up to stop him, saying, "Wait, that's enough... no need to continue."
It seemed Yila felt a bit embarrassed...
"Pfft~ hahaha... cough cough, sorry."
Hilena couldn't help but laugh at Yila's stance. Her heart fluttered with her radiant laughter, then she finally regained composure under Yila and Lime's helpless gazes.
"Since you already know, then..."
Before Yila could finish his question, Lime chose to answer, "Our conditions don't allow it. In other words, Demon King City doesn't have enough resources to ensure food quality perfection...for a chef, this is a disgrace."
Lime's tone was filled with helplessness. Even the small slimes in the kitchen seemed to sense this dejection, no longer bouncing around but hiding behind cabinets and pots, peeking at Yila and Lime's exchange.
"In times when most cities no longer follow customary trade and offerings, relying solely on one city's resources means we lack the qualifications to be picky with ingredients."
Saying this, Lime showed the spices rack behind him, introducing, "This is where we store spices, twenty-one kinds of spices and seasonings, now only seventeen are left in Demon King City. If you enter the cellar through that door,"
Pointing to a wooden door behind him, Lime pondered how to describe it, "It's almost empty ingredients and bare racks, akin to the World Tree standing in the Red Mangroves."
A beautiful metaphor, but it proved the status of Demon King City wasn't "beautiful," though it had nothing to do with Yila...
"Sorry, I shouldn't have rushed to question you."
Speaking sincerely, Yila apologized to Lime, admiring the chef who clearly understood the food issues, "To manage to reach this level, you're already remarkable."
But as a true chef, praise wasn't necessary.
"No need to apologize, you seem to love cooking as well. I can feel it, the passionate resonance in our souls."
"No, it's not that I particularly like cooking... I'm just good at eating. If given sufficient ingredients and conditions, your cooking would surely be delicious."
"Thank you. If possible... I hope you can taste my true culinary skills unleashed!"
"I also eagerly await that day."
Replying seriously, Yila nodded, retrieving his respectful gaze from Lime, and turned to exit the kitchen first... While Hilena, puzzled by the turn of events, followed behind.
"Mr. Yila... you and Mr. Lime became close friends instantly?"
To Hilena's query, Yila didn't answer but walked to an outdoor platform via the stairs, glanced at Hilena, and responded, "Because only fine cuisine and inner rage require the greatest caution..."
"Thank you for your hospitality. If you need my help in the future, feel free to ask."
Speaking, Yila turned his back to Hilena, his clothes fluttering in the cold wind. He gazed at the stars in the sky... heading west towards the shiny mistletoe, following the river would lead to the Elf kingdom.
The upcoming days would be spent at the Silver Moon Tree Court.
But as Yila thought this, ready to fly...
"Lord Yila~ The favor you mentioned... can I use it now?"
Vera's voice arose from behind.
"..."
*Every time I try to leave, there's always an unexpected turn!*
Yila had a hunch that the earlier promised "consider it as me owing you a favor" would be the most regrettable promise of his life... should've added some conditions!*