Chapter 17: Rumors from the Black Mountains
The morning sun bathed the luxurious castle in a warm golden glow.
Inside the grand dining hall, Vlox sat across from Astraith while a gentle breeze flowed through the open windows.
Vlox smiled softly.
"Dear, do you remember the dish I made for you for the first time?"
Astraith nodded immediately.
"Yes. I remember it clearly It was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever tasted."
Vlox’s smile widened.
"And do you remember that you wanted to meet the person who taught me how to make it?"
"Of course," Astraith replied "But why are you asking about that so early in the morning?"
Vlox rested her chin on her hand.
"Because today, I’m going to visit the world where that person lives."
Astraith’s eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yes."
A look of excitement appeared on Astraith’s face.
"Then I want to come with you I want to meet that person as well."
Vlox chuckled softly.
"Alright. Then give me your hand."
Astraith extended his hand without hesitation.
The moment their hands touched-
Space twisted.
The world around them blurred.
In less than a blink of an eye, both vanished from the castle.
A moment later, they arrived in an entirely different world.
The air felt different.
The mana was different.
Even the laws governing the world seemed foreign.
Vlox immediately used her power.
A transparent veil covered both her and Astraith, making them completely invisible.
"No one can see us now," Vlox said.
Together they began observing the person Vlox had spoken about.
The man’s name was Sukohda.
His unique skill was called Online Shopping.
Through that mysterious skill, he could obtain countless ingredients and items from another world.
Beside him walked a giant fluffy dog known as Fenrir.
A small dragon frequently flew around his shoulders.
Near his feet bounced an adorable slime.
For many days, Vlox and Astraith silently observed him.
They watched him travel through forests, cities, and dangerous territories.
More importantly, they watched him cook.
The dishes Sukohda prepared included:
• Butadon (Pork Rice Bowl)
• Ginger Pork
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Hamburg Steak
• Grilled Wyvern Meat
• Karaage Fried Chicken
• Sweet and Sour Pork
• Meat Skewers
• Curry Rice
• Seafood Rice Bowls
• Barbecue Platters
• Various Desserts and Sweet Snacks
And Many more.
Every meal looked more delicious than the last.
Astraith eventually understood why Vlox had learned cooking from this man.
Even he found himself craving the dishes.
Whenever Mukohda cooked, Vlox and Astraith secretly tasted the food using Vlox’s abilities.
The flavors were so incredible that even Astraith, a being who rarely cared about mortal food, became addicted to them.
Scene Shift
Far away from the Valenhart Kingdom stood the powerful Kingdom of Lunaris.
At the center of the kingdom rose a magnificent white castle surrounded by silver walls and crystal towers.
Inside the royal throne room sat Queen Seraphina Lunaris.
Her long silver hair flowed down her back while her crimson eyes calmly observed the kingdom’s affairs.
The massive doors suddenly opened.
A man clad in heavy armor entered the hall.
It was Commander Roland Ashford, the Queen’s most trusted military commander.
He immediately knelt before the throne.
"Your Majesty, I have brought news from the Valenhart Kingdom."
Queen Seraphina raised an eyebrow.
"Speak."
Commander Roland lowered his head.
"I received reports that a mysterious individual recently appeared in the Valenhart Kingdom."
"What kind of person?"
"He appears to possess the dignity and presence of a king According to witnesses, he claimed that he came from the Black Mountains."
The Queen’s calm expression instantly changed.
"What?"
She rose from her throne.
"The Black Mountains?"
Her voice carried disbelief.
"But how is that possible?"
Roland shook his head.
"I do not know, Your Majesty."
The Queen slowly sat back down.
"Then tell me this How powerful is he?"
The commander’s face became unusually serious.
"I cannot accurately measure his strength."
"What do you mean?"
"My spies reported that merely releasing his aura would be enough to destroy our entire kingdom."
Silence filled the throne room.
Queen Seraphina stared at him for several seconds.
"This sounds like some kind of joke."
Roland immediately lowered his head.
"I would never joke about such matters, Your Majesty."
The Queen’s expression darkened.
"Continue."
"My secret informants also reported something else."
"What?"
"The King of the Valenhart Kingdom..."
Roland paused.
"...knelt before this individual due to the pressure of his aura."
The entire throne room fell silent.
Even the royal guards looked shocked.
Queen Seraphina slowly tightened her grip on the armrest of her throne.
After a long silence, she spoke.
"You may leave."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Roland bowed before departing from the throne room.
That night, Queen Seraphina stood alone in her royal bedroom.
Moonlight streamed through the enormous windows.
She slowly lay down upon her bed, but sleep refused to come.
Her thoughts remained occupied by the mysterious person from the Black Mountains.
"How can someone be so powerful..."
She stared at the ceiling.
"Powerful enough that King Aldric Valenhart had to kneel before him."
A chill ran through her body.
If even Aldric was forced to submit, then the true extent of that person’s power was beyond imagination.
The Queen closed her eyes.
"I must be careful."
Her voice echoed softly through the room.
"I need more information."
Outside the castle, the moon continued shining brightly while countless plans and schemes quietly began to move throughout the Kingdom of Lunaris.