Investing In My Crippled Wife Every Return Makes Me Stronger Chapter 270

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[ … words ]

The laughter soon died down.

Nuelia bowed politely with a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Faris. And you’re right. We all know who to blame if you start forgetting your lines now.”

Laughter echoed through the arena again as Faris became the target of the joke once more. Layla sighed before turning in Nuelia’s direction. “I apologize if my co-host said anything strange. He was just trying to lighten the mood.” She paused, her smile becoming genuinely curious. “But if I may ask, why did you choose to reveal it now?”

“It’s because,” Nuelia replied, “I wanted my dish to be understood in its true context. Hiding my identity would have been hiding part of the story behind it and might have caused some misunderstandings.”

“Oh, I see.” Layla nodded in understanding. “Then, you can continue your presentation. Good luck.”

“Thank you.” Nuelia bowed politely, then turned back to the judges. “Actually, the story behind it isn’t anything special or meaningful. But to me, it means a lot…” She paused and took a deep breath. “It is actually a traditional elvin dish my late grandma used to make me when I was a child. I still remember the delicious smell that filled the kitchen when she cooked, and the melody of her voice as she hummed while stirring the pot. She used to give the biggest portion to me too. And I really loved it. In fact, it was one of the reasons I became a chef. And… I wanted to share that memory with all of you, even if it’s a little different from what she used to make. I hope you will enjoy it and share your honest thoughts with me.”

She bowed again and ended her speech.

Applauses filled the arena.

’So that’s why she became a chef…’

Soren muttered inwardly as he picked up his spoon.

’But I guess she’s really on the vegetarian side.’ He added as he scanned the dish. She cooked only vegetables, grains, herbs, and so on, while arranging them to look as natural as possible. Even the portion in front of him looked more like a small garden than a meal. If it weren’t for his ability and the subtle mana flowing through it, he might have mistaken it for a salad. ’This proves elves truly love nature… Well, that guy is an exception since he used to devour any food without caring whether it was meat or plants.’ The thought of his old elven coworker made him smile a little. ’I guess no race is a monolith…’

’Anyway, let’s eat.’

He took the first bite and his thoughts stilled. And just like he did with any other meal, he quickly finished eating. But there was something else that caught his attention.

’It really improves your life force!’

He was a bit suspicious when he saw it on the status, but now that he had experienced it himself, he knew it was true.

’…Well, the ability had never made a mistake, so I guess I was just being a bit skeptical because of the effect.’

After all, he had been looking for recipes that increased one’s life force all this time and knew how incredibly rare they were.

’…I should meet her before we leave.’ Soren decided as the scoring period started. ’And get that recipe.’

His mind started racing as he thought about how to approach her. A dish that could improve life force was the exact thing needed to cure Ethea, and if he could learn the recipe or trade for it, it might be worth more than any prize of this tournament. But he would have to prepare something of equal value too….

While he kept thinking, it was time for them to give their scores. Since he really liked it and it deserved the score even without the effect, he gave it a third 10. It was his third one.

“Next, Candidate Soren, please come to the stage.”

“…Huh?” Soren made a dumbfounded face. ’Is it already my turn?’

Then realization washed over him.

’Right, Nuelia was the ninth, and I was the last to finish. I must have forgotten about it.’ He let out a sigh, stood up, and walked toward the platform. Now, all the attention was focused on him. Since all the others had already stated their affiliations, his identity as the ’Bagdad’s Savior’ was already set in stone. ’…Let’s just focus on the task at hand.’

“Are you ready, Chef Soren?”

“Yes.”

“Then, you may begin.”

Soren nodded and presented his dish; it resembled a broth, but at the same time, it didn’t look like one. It was both darker and clear at the same time, which confused the audience and the judges.

“I call this ’Brother of Life’. I won’t say anything else and let you experience it for yourselves.” He inclined his head slightly. “Please, enjoy.”

The judges exchanged curious glances, then lifted their spoons. The others watched in silence as they each took their first sip. Almost immediately, they started frowning one after another. One judge’s face twisted slightly, as if they had eaten something bitter. Another one looked like she wanted to put the spoon down but barely managed to force herself to swallow.

The fellow contestants’ reactions were similar as well, with one even drinking three cups of water in a row while taking ragged breaths.

“Huh? What’s happening?” Faris leaned forward, his usual playful tone replaced by confusion. “They are all reacting… badly, I think?”

“…Right.” Layla joined in. “It looks like something went wrong with the dish.”

“Could it be… Chef Soren… failed?” Faris asked doubtfully. “But… it doesn’t look like he is worried about it. In fact, he looks like everything is under his control and expectations.”

“That’s what makes it so confusing,” Layla muttered. “I wish we could really taste them too, even if they are bitter.”

“I have been saying that since day one!” Faris exclaimed. “And I really love bitter meals, you know! I always add a pepper to my meals.”

“…” Layla stared at him with a deadpan look.

“What! I’m not lying!” Faris defended himself again. “I swear!”

Just as he was about to make up an excuse, they noticed something strange again. Faris frowned, his confusion deepening.

“Hey, why are they reacting like this now?”