Chapter 47

Chapter 47
Chapter 47: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“……!”

Lion’s eyes widened at the fresh system update.

This could boost my experience simply by observing?

It was entirely accidental.

“Now, with the vegetables prepared, the next phase is to get the meat ready… though before that.”

The head chef tossed the chopped onion, carrot, and celery straight into the boiling pot.

“It is far more efficient to tackle components that require extended preparation first. Such as simmering broths or boiling potatoes. Ahem… I am uncertain if my explanation is clear. This is my inaugural experience cooking while providing commentary.”

“Your explanation is exceptionally clear! I would appreciate it just to learn in this manner.”

The head chef, perhaps feeling a touch bashful, closed his lips and quietly stepped into the refrigeration room, returning with an item wrapped in butcher’s paper.

Thump!

Unfolding the paper revealed a cut of beef roughly the dimensions of a young child’s torso.

He stared in astonishment at the staggering scale, something he had never witnessed even throughout his previous existence.

“This is steak-grade beef. You might not recognize it yet since it is untrimmed, but it is of the highest caliber.”

True to the head chef’s words, he could not discern why this specific cut was deemed superior.

Yet, the cluster of stars materializing right before him caused him to nod in agreement.

『Sirloin (★★★)』

-This represents the sirloin section from a robust bovine raised on fresh pasture grasses and apples across expansive fields.

-Processed without a single error and expertly butchered.

“However, there remains some surplus fat and connective tissue, so I shall pare away as much as possible.”

The head chef sculpted the entire sirloin using a razor-sharp blade.

With each pass of the knife against tough gristle and pockets of fat, they fell away like softened butter, and shortly thereafter the pristine lean meat laid bare its true form.

“Amazing…”

The intricate marbling visible across the cross-section was an absolute masterpiece.

The meat possessed a faint, rosy hue.

Even uncooked, it immediately stimulated his appetite.

“Now, we transfer this directly into the oven to roast at a low temperature.”

“The entire cut?”

“Indeed. Doing so preserves its appearance, and the internal juices distribute evenly, maximizing flavor.”

Naturally, who could fail to be captivated by the sight of such meat roasting whole?

Lion watched the cut disappear into the oven, then turned his gaze to the remaining trimmings left upon the cutting board.

Had it been a conventional chef, those fragments would have already been discarded if left unused.

Which implied…

“What are your intentions for those meat scraps?”

“Ah! That is a brilliant inquiry! How did you deduce that?”

『Cooking experience increased by 20 percent.』

His accumulated experience had already climbed by an impressive 35 percent.

“I simply asked because it seemed wasteful. I imagined the herdsman who raised the beast would feel saddened to see it discarded.”

Besides, could that truly be classified as ordinary meat? If it was destined for the Asteri household, it had to be premium Hanwoo Grade 2+ or higher.

“Precisely so! It is a terrible waste!”

The head chef clapped his hands together in delight.

He had never anticipated that the Young Master of the Asteri family, accustomed to a life of abundance, would possess such discernment.

The head chef gathered the meat scraps, tossed them into a heated skillet, and seared them until crisp.

“A chef’s calling is to craft visually stunning and delectable cuisine, yet I hold that it is equally a profession demanding the utmost reverence for life.”

In essence, his objective was to extract the optimal outcome from every single ingredient, ultimately allowing them to fulfill their purpose.

Consequently, even when cooking for illustrious noble houses, the head chef consistently invested great effort into preventing waste.

Otherwise, entire portions of food could easily be squandered.

‘To think someone who consumed my cooking would grow up to grasp even this…’

Head Chef Alex gripped the handle of the frying pan tightly.

A chef preparing meals for nobility confronts a challenging predicament.

They are required unconditionally to produce lavish flavors and presentations.

This inevitably generates a significant volume of waste.

For instance, vegetable pods, trimmings from meats, the heads and tails of shellfish, and bones.

All of these represent usable components, yet they are routinely cast aside.

Simply because they do not conform to aristocratic cuts.

This reality inevitably clashed with Alex’s personal culinary philosophy.

Trapped within that conflict, Alex had engineered a solution.

Namely, to utilize every available method ensuring zero ingredients went unused.

Much like the present moment.

“Should we fry these scraps until crisp and render their fats, we can formulate an entirely new sauce.”

“That is a commendable approach.”

Lion genuinely appreciated Alex’s methodology.

Naturally, he had recognized the value of food even during his days of solitude, yet he felt that sentiment with far greater intensity within the labyrinth.

Fortunately, starvation was averted thanks to the Shilling Shop, but the sheer exertion required to maximize limited resources was immense.

Consume the flesh, and boil the bones to yield a broth.

The physical contour of a fruit held no significance.

When alternative sustenance was nonexistent, how could anyone discard an item merely due to aesthetic flaws?

“Thanks to Alex, I minimize waste and dine remarkably well.”

“…That you comprehend that much! My sincere thanks!”

“I remain continually grateful.”

Alex pursed his lips briefly before resuming his demonstration.

“The browned residue adhering to the pan following the searing process is designated as fond, and it packs immense umami depth. If we incorporate the onions we trimmed earlier right here…”

Alex scraped the caramelized fragments from the skillet using a splash of onion and vegetable stock before pouring in a measure of red wine.

“Red wine traditionally complements meats. It serves as the ideal foundation for crafting a sauce.”

“Then, conversely, does white wine pair appropriately with fish?”

“Oh! As a general rule, yes. Furthermore, it excels at neutralizing fishy aromas.”

Alex vigorously agitated the skillet as the liquid began to simmer.

Then, whoosh! The alcohol flashed off, igniting tongues of flame directly above the pan.

“Even absent this step, the alcohol evaporates given sufficient time. Young Master, you lack experience in this technique, so there is no need to attempt it. I merely desired to… demonstrate.”

“Haha, it is a rare privilege to witness such craftsmanship after such a prolonged interval.”

When else in his existence would he encounter the opportunity to present culinary arts to a nobleman?

Especially with a high-ranking scion of Asteri observing him at close range.

He could not suppress the urge to display the full extent of his repertoire.

“Now, while the sauce reduces, I shall prepare the accompaniments.”

Alex retrieved the meat, wrapped it securely in paper to rest, and swiftly prepared whipped potatoes alongside a cream- and cheese-infused spinach coulis.

‘Ah, that is exquisite.’

The sweetness of the spinach blended with the rich cheese generated an unexpected synergy when paired with the beef.

Before long, a heavenly aroma saturated the kitchen space.

“At last, we need only arrange it attractively.”

The dish was complete.

Upon an expansive platter rested tender beef, glistening with juices and steaming gently, flanked by creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, and an assortment of roasted vegetables.

And when freshly baked white bread accompanied by fresh butter was added to the tray…

『Master Artisan’s Special Sirloin Feast (★★★)』

-The culmination devised by a master artisan who spent countless hours conceptualizing how to achieve supreme flavor without squandering ingredients.

-Consuming this restores a massive quantity of hunger.

“Now, you must be famished, let us proceed.”

“Very well.”

Lion offered no refusal and stepped forward.

Upon entering the dining salon, the domestic staff had already laid a linen tablecloth appropriate for the occasion alongside meticulously polished tableware.

However…

“Is Rikschel abstaining from dinner this evening?”

Only a single place setting was present.

“The Young Master requested his meal be delivered directly to his quarters as pressing matters occupy his time today.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Regardless of how congested his schedule might be, a proper evening meal remained essential.

“Wait, in that case, what becomes of this entire spread?”

“…Haha. It will suffice should the Young Master consume it alone.”

The head chef, seemingly anticipating the inquiry, offered an embarrassed grin and waved a hand dismissively.

He had likely omitted mentioning it beforehand to spare Lion from feeling burdened throughout the cooking process.

“First, let us ensure the Young Master eats before the meal cools.”

“Negative.”

Lion shook his head resolutely.

The volume far exceeded what a single person could manage, and more importantly…

‘It represents waste.’

Not merely the ingredients, but the head chef’s dedicated labor as well.

“Alex, what quantity did you prepare this time?”

“Pardon? Ah! Approximately ten portions.”

Alex replied, caught off guard by Lion’s inquiry.

His tone shifted away from the mild cadence of moments prior.

He sounded decisive and authoritative, bearing a striking resemblance to the Family Head.

‘To think he could command such a voice…’

It revealed an unfamiliar dimension of his character, rendering the atmosphere somewhat novel.

The kitchen staff shared this exact sentiment.

A blend of unfamiliarity and inquisitive wonder.

‘What subject could they possibly be addressing?’

Were they intending to reprimand the youngest Young Master for omitting his meal?

Just as a peculiar tension enveloped the room…

“The timing is ideal.”

Lion’s voice reverted to its casual tenor.

“Everyone present shall dine together.”

“Pardon?”

“Eh? Us as well?”

“For what reason? Have you not already partaken of dinner?”

“That is not the case, however…”

Although Lion Asteri maintained an affable relationship with the household staff, rigid class boundaries persisted.

He remained a nobleman, whereas they were commoners.

Among their ranks were numerous former slaves granted ordinary status solely through the grace of the Family Head.

How could they possibly presume to dine alongside the Young Master?

Particularly consuming fare of such staggering luxury?

“Alex, you will join us at the table as well, correct?”

“Th-that…”

Alex appeared equally discomposed.

Though he routinely tasted dishes for seasoning and quality control in his capacity as head chef, he had never once partaken in a formal, meticulously crafted meal of this caliber.

Indeed, he had long believed merely creating them was privilege enough.

Compared to his former existence as a mercenary struggling merely to draw breath, his current life was a paradise.

How many youths had he witnessed succumb to starvation during those years?

An existence sustained on worm-infested fruits and watery flour broth.

Sparing a wild beast constituted a holiday feast.

And ultimately, when he stood on the precipice of perishing from hunger.

Alex had been rescued through the intervention of the Asteri household, and because of his delicate knife skills, bestowed a new vocation as a cook.

Fortunately, possessing natural aptitude, he had risen to become one of the premier chefs across the empire.

Consequently, he took immense pride in his fulfilled life.

And yet…

Alex gazed upon the banquet arrayed before him.

Provisions cooked to absolute perfection.

Velvety cheeses, butter, and bread.

Every component bore the direct touch of his own hands.

Yet despite that…

‘I have never once entertained the thought of tasting it myself.’

Alex scratched the nape of his neck.

“Might… might I truly partake?”

Lion smiled warmly at his reaction.

“Indeed. I insist that you join us, Alex.”

Lion seated himself and gestured for Alex to approach.

Following a brief sequence of hesitation, Alex lifted a sirloin portion still weeping with juices, partitioned the meat into individual bowls, and took his seat. The assisting staff members likewise settled themselves with visible reluctance.

Their expressions continued to reflect profound disbelief, yet the sheer magnetism of the luxurious cuisine proved overwhelming.

“The food will lose its warmth, so let us partake without delay.”

Furthermore, the eldest grandson of the Asteri clan had issued a direct command.

‘Declining now would constitute a grave breach of etiquette.’

Wh-whatever the consequences!

“I accept this meal with gratitude.”

The staff members immediately commenced eating.

Following hesitant cuts of the meat and their initial bites…

“……!”

The expressions of the servants transformed entirely.