"Paimon? Traveler? And this is..."
Shiki turned her head and saw the familiar golden-haired Young Miss and the Emergency Food floating in mid-air, as well as Xiangling, the unwavering main DPS of the national team.
However, she had never met the other party, so she naturally had to act like strangers meeting for the first time.
"Oh, right, let me introduce you, this is Xiangling, the head chef of Wanmin Restaurant!" Paimon said.
"Hello, two Young Misss, I'm Xiangling!" Xiangling greeted them.
"Hello, my name is Shiki. I'm from Inazuma and I'm a swordsman. Please take care of me."
"Swordsman? Uh..."
Xiangling heard this and carefully scrutinized the Japanese-style Young Miss in front of him. Her luxurious and intricate kimono, hair tied back, and the oil-paper umbrella she used for shade—she didn't look like a swordsman at all!
"Hmph, Xiangling, don't be fooled by his delicate appearance. His strength in Inazuma is top-notch!" Paimon said, hands on hips.
"Eh? Is that so? I can't tell at all..."
Xiangling was a bit surprised. If Paimon said so, his strength must not be underestimated, but his appearance was too deceptive!
Who would have thought that such a refined Young Miss would overpower countless strong individuals to stand at the pinnacle of Inazuma?
"Hehe, my enemies have never considered me weak. This appearance is only shown to my friends." Shiki chuckled softly.
"Oh! So we're friends now, right?"
"Mm-hmm."
Seeing Shiki give an affirmative answer, Xiangling turned his gaze to the white-haired Young Miss who had been holding the other party's arm.
The white-haired Young Miss noticed Xiangling's gaze: "Nice to meet you, I'm Ayaka."
She also concealed her true identity. Although she didn't know why Shiki would do this, a qualified wife would not trouble her beloved.
"Like Shiki, I'm also a swordsman, but my strength isn't as great as Shiki's."
"But I think you and she will have a lot to talk about, after all, Shiki is also an excellent chef... although he's only cooked once."
"Ah? You're not here for the Chef King Competition, are you?" Xiangling asked subconsciously upon hearing this.
As for why a Young Miss who seems to have never lifted a finger would cook... perhaps it's because all Lei element users are good cooks?
Raiden Ei: No thoughts, just severing!
"Chef King Competition? What's that?"
She wasn't faking it; Shiki was genuinely confused. The Moonchase Festival in Liyue had such a thing?
"Looks like you're not here for the competition."
"The Chef King Competition is a contest organized by the Liyue Seven Stars. All chefs can participate, and the most outstanding chef will emerge victorious in the finals!"
"I, Xiangling, am going to win the championship of this competition! And become the best chef in Liyue!"
Xiangling said, clenching his small fist, but the next second he said somewhat awkwardly: "But I haven't thought about what to make yet..."
"This year's theme is 'Food and Rivers.' Traveler said Young Miss Ryougi has a very high quality of life, so I thought you might have a unique perspective."
"'Food and Rivers,' huh..."
Shiki fell into contemplation. She really had to think this through. As a foodie from China, she couldn't disgrace Earth.
At this moment, Traveler and Paimon were exchanging glances.
Paimon: 'That woman can cook too?'
Traveler: 'Perhaps, this is what they call not judging a book by its cover...'
To be honest, they couldn't imagine Shiki bustling about in the kitchen. Of course, they also hadn't expected Shiki to truly act like a Young Miss before.
Her graceful figure, every frown and smile filled with a unique feminine softness. Who would believe that someone looking like this is the second most powerful person in Inazuma?
Well, Raiden Ei and the Puppet Shogun are tied for first.
After a brief thought, Shiki slowly said, "Since the theme is 'Food and Rivers,' then the dishes must be related to mountains and rivers."
"The words 'mountains and rivers' can be understood as mountain delicacies and seafood, after all, things that run on land and swim in water."
"Then, a dish that encompasses both mountain delicacies and seafood, the Buddha... Immortal's Delight, would be excellent. Add rich broth and aged wine, then simmer it over a low flame."
"The taste is fresh and delicious, rich but not greasy. A small taste is smooth and tender, and a careful savor leaves a lingering aftertaste."
I almost let it slip. In Teyvat, this famous dish is called Immortal's Delight. Although the meaning is similar, there is no Buddha in Liyue.
"Wow! As expected of a Young Miss! And what surprised me is that you know Liyue Cuisine so well!" Xiangling exclaimed.
"Haha, I just know a little." Shiki chuckled.
"As everyone knows, Liyue Cuisine is very famous throughout the Teyvat continent, attracting countless people to taste it. Of course, I know the famous dish Immortal's Delight."
"Of course, a main dish alone isn't enough; it also needs complementary side dishes for embellishment."
"Hmm... let me think, Immortal's Delight already contains mountain and sea delicacies, so for the side dish, a light-flavored Almond Tofu would be good."
"Immortal's Delight as the main dish is already very complex, so the side dish definitely shouldn't be too troublesome; that would be overshadowing the main course."
"Almond Tofu is very good; its light flavor won't affect the taste of the main dish, keeping the main and supporting roles clear."
"These are my suggestions. Whether you adopt them is entirely your choice; you don't need to consider my feelings." Shiki said unhurriedly.
Xiangling's expression couldn't help but fall upon hearing this: "Hmm... Young Miss Ryougi's idea is very good, but I'm afraid I can't adopt your suggestion..."
"Can you tell me why?"
"Time... the process required to make Immortal's Delight is too extensive; the time given for the competition simply isn't enough to complete it."
"Is that so? Then I have no other choice." Shiki said with regret, then changed the subject: "However, I think the core idea within it can still help you."
"Always distinguish between main and supporting roles. Remember, side dishes are just embellishments; they only serve to add a finishing touch. Making them too complex is like drawing legs on a snake."
"Understood! Thank you for your advice and ideas, Young Miss Ryougi!"
"No need to thank me; it's merely a small favor." Shiki nodded slightly, like a gourmet who had contemplated the culinary arts for decades.
At this moment, Paimon and Traveler both widened their eyes in surprise. Was this still the Shiki they knew?
Where did that great demon who drew his sword at the slightest disagreement go? And what's with this Morax-like vibe from you? Are you also going to wander the mortal realm?
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/SolyuraMT
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"