NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: Lukas, the Meat Handler
(Extra Chapter! Thank you for the review.)
[Tangy Tomato Gravy]
A simple gravy made from cooked tomatoes, onions, garlic, chillies and various spices. It has a thin consistency as the mixture was crushed and strained, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. Can be used as a dip for many dishes. Made using more than two special ingredients, giving it an addictive effect.
Effects: Endurance +3, Dexterity +2, Durability +3, Perception +2
Additional Effects: Increased Danger Perception, +22 Addiction
Both of their additional effects were mind blowing, not just for Lukas but also the count who had just finished eating. He gave Lukas a piercing look before pointing at the tortillas with his mouth still full and then he lifted up his index finger.
"One more?"
The count nodded before walking towards the refreshments area. From the corner of his eye, Lukas saw him grab a glass of lemonade. It was only when he looked at the three men in front of him patiently waiting, did he finally begin to move.
Unfortunately, he only had one stove so he could only heat up one tortilla at a time but this wasn't much of an issue as once the pan was heated up to a certain extent, he could heat up tortillas in seconds.
He looked at his patrons and said with a wry smile, "Would you like to build your own or do you want me to do it?"
The young man named Edward glanced at his father and said, "I'll build my own." while his brother shook his head, "Please make mine for me."
Lukas nodded as he respected their wishes before he turned to look at the Baron who chuckled, "I'll follow your recommendations and build my own, Chef Lukas."
Soon, the Baron and the family of three walked away with a plate of taco in their hands. Lukas watched the guests dance elegantly as he silently appreciated the beauty of the women in front of him.
The more he looked, he spotted glaring differences between the makeup of this world and the one that was used on Earth.
'They only wear mascara, eyeliner and lipstick… it seems like earrings are a must no matter where one goes. Even Nina has them.' he thought as he looked around, trying to see if there was any difference between the men from this world and the ones from Earth.
At first, he didn't feel like there was any difference but then he noticed something that was pretty subtle at first.
Every single man who had come here with a wife, rocked a clean shaved baby face. This included Count Beaumont who didn't come here with his wife. Whereas his sons had a thin stubble and so did some of the bachelors who were a minority in the party.
Lukas brought his hand to his face and couldn't help but sigh. He had gone through his usual routine from earth and shaved his beard once in two days.
'These people probably think I'm married… bruh. I actually missed out on bagging a cutie by not learning the customs of this world. Nah, I'm a random cook from a random village. There's no way that these rich chicks would be interested in me.'
He immediately shook away his thoughts and focused on the food in front of him, only to end up clicking his tongue. His stomach grumbled as he watched a group of eight middle aged women walk up to him.
'Alright, it looks like I'll be busy for the next hour or so…'
Time passed as he continued serving, plastering a fake smile as he entertained the guests while spouting random bullshit that somehow manged to impress them. It was only when Baron Frascine took his guests outside did Lukas get a chance to take a breather.
He turned around and looked at the food that was available, most of which he hadn't really tasted. The men behind the table grabbed a few plates, filled them up with the food and began to eat. Lukas followed them and did the same.
'Wow… it's actually pretty damn good.' he thought as he looked at the guys near him, 'In fact the taste is not worse than mine. Heck, this roast mutton is so much better than anything I've ever made.'
As he thought of it, he picked up the bone and shook it gently, making the meat around it slip and fall onto the plate. He poked some of it with a fork and put it in his mouth, only to feel it melt like butter.
Later, he tasted some of the strawberry icecream and orange cake, only to fall in love with them the way he fell for roast mutton. Once everyone had finished eating, he hesitated for a moment before looking at the group, "Guys, the roast mutton was extremely good. I just want to say that whoever made it, I respect your skills."
As he said this, he saw the group of chefs turn to look at an old man who had a thick grey beard. He had a square face filled with wrinkles and he also had a long moustache. His long blond hair was tied up in a near bun.
He looked both weak and intimidating, a weird contrast.
The man smirked as he looked at Lukas, "Thank you for the compliment. It's been fifty years since I've began cooking and forty since I started experimenting with meats. These kids call me an old man instead of using my name."
Chefs around him laughed at this and before the experienced chef could introduce himself, Lukas rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he asked, "Why old man instead of meat man? Since you have so much experience with handling meat, isn't it better to call you the meat man?"
"Hahahhahahaha Meat Man!!" one of the chefs around him roared with laughter while the familiar scrawny chef that helped with rolling the tortillas slapped his bony thigh hard as he laughed, "You're an expert at handling meat, huh?? Yes, we must all call him the great meat man!"
"Naaaah, the meat handler is better!" another one chipped in as he slapped the old man's back, making him glare at everyone. Yet, he couldn't hide his smile.
Then, he pointed at Lukas as he smirked, "All I do is cook the meat. The one who handled the meat and made the ladies giggle is this kid. Wrapping meat with flatbread and drizzling sauce on it…. your tastes are pretty unique."