Primordial Draconic Incubus With A Gourmet Chef System

James and the others in the VVVIP Room were expecting to hear a surprised response; however, what came next, surprised them instead.

"I understand. I'll make the arrangements so the guests don't create a disturbance."

'Why isn't she surprised by the outrageous Mage Rank Requirement and price?' Unbeknownst to them, Yoshiko was well aware that foods created by Alchemy Chefs could not be eaten by just anyone.

"Now then, you should know, I'm taking quite a big risk by allowing an unknown person to cook for five thousand guests. As a businessman yourself, you should know deals between two individuals are rarely fair. Unfortunately, for you, I don't like being on the losing side. I want 1 Low-Grade Mana Stone per Siren's Melody Poached Egg served." Yoshiko said seriously.

James glanced at Lucian, who nodded his head

"Alright, that sounds fair to us," James replied.

"It's nice working with someone so smart." Yoshiko was pleased with the development. She had secured a huge deal three weeks into her transfer. "Haha, the feeling is mutual, Branch Leader Yoshiko." James narrowed his already beady eyes. If Yoshiko thought she won out on the deal, she would be in for a rude awakening in the future.

"As for the extended contract, we can work out the details after the auction concludes," Yoshiko said, then ended the call.

After the communication ended, Yoshiko turned to Mei, who had remained standing like a statue throughout the conversation. "Keep a close, but discreet, eye on James and Lucian. I want a full report on the guests'... no, I'll watch their reactions from here. What I want from you is to test his food. We can't take chances with an unknown person like Lucian, even if James can vouch for him."

Mei respectfully bowed and replied seriously, "I'll do as the Branch Leader says."

"Good. Report back to me the moment you have anything to share." Yoshiko said and watched as Mei bowed and then left her office.

—--------------------

Back in the VVVIP Room, James released his finger from the built-in communication device in the chair.

"It's done, Senior. Branch Leader Yoshiko agreed to let you serve your dishes during the intermission."

Lucian nodded, "I heard. Now, I need some time to prepare."

"Of course, Senior. Carlton will escort you to the restaurant."

"Where is he?"

"He's at the entrance of the Auction House."

"Mn." Lucian nodded and rose from his seat.

Just as Lucian was preparing to leave, Lily, who had been silently observing, spoke up, "Big Brother Lucian, I want a plate of Siren's Melody Poached Egg too!"

Lucian chuckled and patted the top of her head covered by the Ethereal Mask Of Anonymity.

"I'll make you a plate."

Lily beamed beautifully, "Yay! I can't wait! Eating Big Brother Lucian's delicious food and causing chao… *Cough* I mean bidding, is the perfect combo!"

Lucian's eyes twinkled with amusement, but he said nothing, merely shaking his head with an affectionate smile. "Just don't cause too much trouble."

"Chef Lucian, you're too lenient," Garrett said. Despite his words, he was all smiles as he watched the interaction between Lucian and his sister.

Fenwick was also slightly smiling.

Lucian shrugged. He would not change Lily's mischievous nature to suit him. Being playful and having a propensity to cause others misfortune was part of who she was. They were two of the qualities that made Lucian fond of her.

However, Lucian saw no reason to explain to Garrett.

"Remember to win three Grade 1 Magical Beasts for me. I'm counting on you." Lucian said to Lily.

"Mn. Don't worry, Big Brother Lucian. By the time the Magical Beasts appear, everyone won't have money to bid against me." Lily said with a mischievous giggle.

Lucian slightly smiled, gave her one final head pat, exited the VVVIP Room, and made his way downstairs.

After walking out of the entrance, Lucian looked around for Carlton, when suddenly he heard his voice call out, "Senior, I'm here."

Turning toward the voice, Lucian spotted Carlton standing nearby under the light of a street lamp. However, his attention quickly shifted to the young man beside Carlton, who was observing him with curiosity.

'So that's him? But why is he so young?' Duan Mu was taken aback as he looked at Lucian's handsome and young appearance. 'No… he must not be young if he can even be Sir James' Senior.'

After walking over to where Carlton was, Lucian looked at the young man beside him curiously.

Noticing his curiosity, Carlton introduced the young man, "Senior, this is Duan Mu. He is the owner and chef of the Duan Restaurant. We'll be using his kitchen"

Duan Mu immediately bowed, and respectfully said, "It's nice to meet Senior."

Lucian nodded. "Let's go to the restaurant. I only have two hours to prepare the dishes."

With that, Carlton took the lead as Lucian and Duan Mu followed behind him.

After walking for a few minutes, Duan Restaurant came into view. The restaurant was a plain, almost unassuming one-story building.

Carlton approached the door and opened it, but did not enter. Instead, he held it open: "Senior, please go in first."

Lucian nodded and entered the restaurant.

"Not bad. This will do." Lucian was satisfied with the interior of the restaurant. It was simple yet elegant, with polished wooden floors. Five tables crafted from the same wood were arranged neatly.

At the back was a wooden door, which Lucian guessed went into the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Duan Mu was the most shocked as he gazed at the newly refurbished restaurant.

"Is this actually my restaurant?" He muttered in a shocked tone, unable to believe the sight. Unconsciously, he walked out of the restaurant and gazed up at the sign board. Only after he saw the words, 'Duan Restaurant' he realized Carlton had brought them to the correct place.

Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly at Duan Mu's reaction. It seemed James and Carlton did more than just remodel the restaurant. They completely transformed it.

But there was no time to ponder on that, the clock was ticking. Lucian had dishes to prepare.

Turning around, Lucian asked Carlton, "Have you received a call or message from James yet?"

Carlton shook his head and respectfully replied, "Not yet, Senior. I believe Branch Leader Yoshiko should be announcing the change in the menu at any time now."

Lucian nodded his head and took a seat at one of the tables.

Just then, Lucian heard a meek voice, "Would Senior like something to eat or drink?"

Lucian turned to look at Duan Mu, who was sitting at a table opposite him with Carlton.

"Just a glass of water," Lucian responded, disappointing Duan Mu, who had been looking to impress Lucian, but now would not get the chance to do so.

Even so, he bowed and went into the kitchen.

As the kitchen door closed behind Duan Mu, several System Notifications appeared in Lucian's mind, taking his attention away.

<{Quest: Restaurant Expansion}>

<Description: As the future Transcendent Chef, it is your duty to spread your culinary excellence across the Multiverse. Acquire the Duan Restaurant and make it into a branch restaurant worthy of the future Transcendent Chef. This will be your first step in establishing a Multiversal network of chain restaurants that will echo your name across the Planes.}>

<{Rewards: 1 Star Essence Fragment and unlock the Teleportation Circle Feature.}>

<{Teleportation Circle}>

<{Description: Allows instantaneous teleportation between all Transcendence restaurants.}>

<{Quest: Disciple Recruitment.}>

<{Description: As the future Transcendent Chef, your time is precious. Accept a disciple and train them to become an excellent chef, capable of taking over as the Head Chef of a Transcendence Branch.}>

<{Reward: Mastery Token and Customizable Culinary Skill Book.}>

<{Mastery Token.}>

<{Description: Grants the user accelerated learning and enhanced skill in a chosen Transcendence recipe.}>

<{Special Note: One-time use.}>

<{Customizable Culinary Skill Book}>

<{Description: A Magical book that allows the Host to record and modify recipes, Skills, and Techniques. It can be used to pass down knowledge to your disciples.}>

<{Special Note: The Customizable Culinary Skill Book can only be viewed by your disciples.}>

After reading the System Notifications, Lucian was determined to complete Quests. The rewards offered upon completion were invaluable to give up, especially the Star Essence Fragment, which would bring him closer to increasing his Mage Rank, and the Teleportation Circle, which would allow him to travel instantly between his restaurants.

The time it took to travel between his restaurants could be used to serve his customers.

On the other hand, the Disciple Recruitment Quest and the rewards were just as important. Accepting disciples, training them, and having them do all the work, while he laid back with his wives, more than just intrigued him.

[System, by giving me these Quests, do you want me to train Duan Mu as this restaurant's Head Chef?] Lucian asked indifferently.

[Host, the Quests were not issued by me.] The System defended in a wronged tone.

[Fair enough.] Lucian said. Then after, a moment of pondering, continued, [I'll see what his skills are like before making a decision.]