What Shachmono held in his hands was a large, well-opening-sized round tray. White mist flowed down like water, while wisps of steam rose upwards.
Everyone craned their necks, their eyes peering into the tray.
Within the white mist, they saw mountains, water, flowers, and grass, resembling a fairyland.
'A cold dish?' Law thought to himself, looking at the contents of the tray. Then he noticed that the area where the Fire Pattern Eggs were placed emitted residual warmth. The water wasn't boiling, but steam continuously rose.
Although the ingredients largely retained their original color and freshness, this wasn't a cold dish, or at least, not entirely. It should be a combination of ice and fire.
Shachmono walked to the stone table and then, under everyone's gaze, he carefully placed the round tray on it.
A wave of heat carrying a fragrant aroma immediately washed over them.
After setting down the tray, Shachmono took two steps back, placing his slightly reddened hands behind his back. His calm expression held a hint of excitement.
All eyes were fixed on the landscape within the round tray.
The rising steam was like white clouds atop high mountains.
Looking through the clouds, a small mountain built from stone clams was the first to catch the eye.
Encircling the mountain, shells pried open more than halfway revealed crystal-clear, snow-white clam meat.
Droplets of water, like jade or ice, rested around the clam meat.
The white smoke rising from the river below transformed into white clouds, swirling around this mountain, while that touch of snow-white resembled frost and snow on the mountain peak.
By the river's edge stood several Fire Pattern Eggs. Their warmth transferred into the water, generating heat, much like a hot spring.
A few steps away was a bamboo grove.
The bamboo stalks were verdant green, with a translucent sheen shimmering upon them. The bamboo leaves were as thin as cicada wings.
Upon closer inspection, one could see faint threads of cold air.
This bamboo grove occupied most of the space on the tray. Within the grove bloomed a vibrant red flower. The enticing, rich aroma mostly emanated from this flower.
Beyond the overall structure, meticulous details were filled in everywhere, making it resemble a sculpted work of art.
Within this landscape of mountains and water, it seemed to hide all four seasons.
Regardless of its appearance, the aroma alone was enough to captivate.
Law had brought back the ingredients and recognized most of them. However, Linne had added many other ingredients to make this dish so rich and complete.
Linne looked quietly at this dish, an expression of satisfaction on her aged face.
Netero saw Linne's expression and understood that his old friend had fulfilled a wish. He smiled and asked, "What is this dish called?"
"It has no name. Remember its form… that is enough," Linne said slowly.
"Is that so." A feeling of sentimentality arose in Netero's heart.
They had looked their fill and only wanted to start eating quickly.
Law picked up his chopsticks, moving them like crab pincers, and said, "Let's skip the introduction."
Linne, however, smiled, nodded slightly, and waved to Shachmono, gesturing for him to sit down.
Seeing Linne's smile, Shachmono's eyes welled up. He also unusually set aside his butler role and sat in one of the seats.
With Linne's permission, everyone immediately began to eat.
Netero was the fastest. He targeted the clam meat from the stone mountain. His chopsticks went in and out, picking up a piece.
Perhaps because Maha enjoyed watching cartoons, his chosen target was the hot spring-like Fire Pattern Eggs by the river.
The Zoldyck Family's dietary habits leaned towards Chinese-like cuisine, so Zeno's first choice was the uniquely shaped bamboo, including the white bamboo shoots at the base, which he picked up together.
The three had their targets. Law, however, abruptly put down his chopsticks, picked up a bowl and spoon, and headed straight for the flower blooming in the bamboo grove.
The petals and the broth within the flower were the highlight of this entire dish.
Just then, a pair of chopsticks sliced in diagonally, blocking Law's spoon. It was Linne's chopsticks.
"Ladies first, elder."
Seeing this, Law could only withdraw his spoon.
A flicker of amusement passed through Linne's old eyes. She leisurely served herself a bowl of the broth, then served one for Shachmono as well.
Within the broth were seed-like things resembling red agate or peeled pomegranate seeds, quite enticing.
After finally waiting for Linne to finish serving the broth, Law saw that Netero and the others had also set their sights on the broth within the red flower, mainly because both Law and Linne, as Gourmet Hunters, were vying for it first.
"Hey, at least finish what's in your bowls before eyeing what's in the pot," Law protested.
He acted swiftly, scooping up a bowl from the red flower and plucking a petal.
Before he could get a second bowl, Netero and Maha, like two old rascals, joined forces to push him back, allowing Zeno to quickly serve the soup.
This kind of rogue behavior made Law roll his eyes.
In the entire dish, the Fire Pattern Eggs were just barely enough to go around, but the red flower broth was the least in quantity. Those who served last might not even get any.
Seeing Netero and Maha transformed into gate guardians on left and right, Law shook his head.
He placed a petal into the broth in his bowl. Moments later, the petal dissolved into countless fine threads, merging into the broth.
After preparing it, Law handed this bowl of broth to Machi.
Machi took the broth, glanced at Netero and Maha who seemed to be guarding some treasure, found the way Law interacted with them amusing, and then divided her portion, giving half to Law.
Law smiled and accepted the half bowl of broth from Machi.
In the eyes of Netero and the others, it seemed as if he had given up the fight.
However, in the next second, Law proceeded to scoop all the hot spring eggs from the riverbank onto his own plate.
"…"
Netero looked on speechlessly.
Maha quietly moved the hot spring egg on his plate towards the edge of the table, then silently retrieved his own portion of the red flower broth.
Law paid no mind. He scooped up a spoonful of the broth and put it in his mouth. His eyes immediately narrowed.
The threads from the petals were like plucked strings of a zither, densely playing upon the tip of his tongue.
Following that, the dissolving agate-like seeds brought a wave of extremely complex flavors, as if sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy were all present.
In a daze, it was like standing on a rainbow bridge, with seven colors to choose from.
Law's thoughts stirred, and he subconsciously picked two of the seven colors: sweet and sour.
Then, the complex taste in his mouth miraculously changed, leaving only the sweet and sour flavors.
The sweetness of mango, the sourness of pineapple.
Law opened his eyes, a look of surprise in them.
Then, he tasted a second spoonful. Again, the complex flavors occupied every inch of his tongue.
Law's thoughts shifted, and he selected sour, spicy, and salty. Thus, the main flavors of the second spoonful became sour, spicy, and salty.
'This was a broth that could freely change its taste.'
Law couldn't help but look at Linne, wondering what magic she had worked into this dish. One thing was certain: this wasn't due to the inherent superiority of the ingredients themselves… it must have been Linne's Nen Ability.
Not only Law showed this wondrous expression, the others did too.
'Was this... a dish made by Linne, pouring her entire life into it?'
'Thank you, Law.'
Netero's eyelids slowly lowered as he silently expressed his gratitude to Law in his heart.