"Wow, this is truly good wine." After the toast, Jean naturally drank first as a sign of respect.
Originally, Jean was just someone who couldn't tell the difference between good and bad beer, seeing no distinction between cheap bottled beer and high-end brands, and even scoffed at the hype surrounding sauce-aroma technology.
But now, the taste of the wine in hand completely changed Jean's perspective. Even the spicy sensation of the alcohol was cleverly woven into the wine's aroma, making every sip an absolute delight.
"Hmm, indeed, it's quite good." Rimuru, sitting nearby, also expressed agreement while internally instructing Teacher Ciel to record the wine's ingredients in preparation for replicating it back home.
Milim, however, didn't care at all about the quality of the wine. After chugging it down, she immediately started devouring the dishes on the table, as if a storm were sweeping through the clouds.
Seeing her like this, the others didn't want to fall behind and began to enjoy the grand feast before them.
The speed at which the food on the table was being consumed far exceeded expectations, but fortunately, just as it was about to be wiped out, the main course arrived.
"Specially prepared by the Fairy Abbe, head chef of the Juxia Restaurant: Drunken Serpent of Heaven and Earth!"
After clearing the empty plates from the table to make room, a massive covered platter was brought out.
Then, under the guidance of the service staff, the lid was lifted. First, a golden light burst forth, followed by swirling auspicious clouds, and finally, snake meat shaped like a mountain range appeared.
But that wasn't the end. The swirling clouds suddenly began to drip rain, and the rich aroma of wine accompanying it indicated that this rain was actually a type of liquor.
As the wine dripped, the temperature of the snake meat became increasingly high, and then flames shot up into the sky, causing the snake meat to sizzle.
At the same time, the flames climbed upward along with the evaporating alcohol vapor, like a rising fire dragon, igniting the auspicious clouds in the sky and forming a true 'fire-cloud'.
A moment later, the alcohol burned out. Part of the auspicious clouds turned orange, split apart, and scattered onto the mountain of snake meat, resembling a snow-capped mountain at sunset.
"Drunken Serpent of Heaven and Earth, completed! Please enjoy."
After such a spectacular sight, the people present naturally couldn't hold back and began picking up pieces of snake meat to taste.
Jean naturally didn't want to fall behind. Picking up a piece of snake meat coated in the 'auspicious clouds', a strange sensation welled up upon the first bite.
It was somewhat similar to the tenderness of top-grade Wagyu beef, yet without so much fat. It didn't feel greasy at all, while still being full of juice.
It didn't melt in the mouth, but it was chewy without being difficult to eat—a perfect balance.
The most crucial part was the extremely rich meaty aroma. Without a doubt, this was the best meat Jean had ever eaten; the satisfaction of eating it instantly filled Jean's heart.
The bit of 'auspicious cloud' was also extraordinary, carrying a strong aroma of wine, but it didn't overpower the dish; instead, it brought a refreshing taste that further elevated the meal.
"The Abyssal Rock King Serpent, huh? Hehe, truly nice." Miss Meido seemed to remember something happy, revealing a black-bellied smile.
The main course of snake meat had been piled high like a small mountain, but it was completely wiped out in less than 10 minutes.
Fortunately, there was plenty of it, and after two additional servings, everyone was finally full.
However, the snake meat was completely exhausted. It wasn't that the massive black snake had been eaten entirely, but rather that there wasn't much edible part within its body.
Only the small amount of meat at the joints of the skull and spine was edible. The muscles in other parts were as hard as steel and impossible to eat, though they could be used as power-conducting structures for making bionic machinery.
---
This banquet could be said to have been enjoyed by both host and guests. Although there were some desserts and porridges after the main course, they didn't manage to leave a lasting impression on Jean.
After it ended, Rimuru left the researchers behind and prepared to take leave, as there were still many things waiting for this Lord of the Demon Kingdom to handle.
Milim, who had originally intended to loaf around here, was also forcibly taken away. It seemed she had skipped work and was currently being hunted down by her subordinate, Frey, the Sky Queen.
"Jean! Remember to come and visit when you have time!"
Leaving behind these words, she was grabbed by the scruff of her neck and forcibly dragged away.
"Mm, mm, I will. Go back and work hard!"
A white light flashed, and Rimuru and the others had departed. Jean prepared to rest for a while, as they were a bit stuffed from eating. This snake meat was undoubtedly a special ingredient, seemingly carrying a buff similar to an increase in recovery speed.
"Lord Jean, please also do as you said: 'Go back and work hard!'"
"Uh, ah, I understand."
Having just gloated while seeing Milim off, being cornered immediately afterward was karma coming around quickly.
Just as Jean was preparing to obediently dive back into the ocean of documents, Miss Meido continued:
"Before that, could you please transfer one thing to the Underworld? Of course, equivalent compensation will be provided."
"A thing? What thing?"
"The soul of that Abyssal Rock King Serpent. As such a massive spirit body, it still holds great value for the Underworld."
"OK, I understand." Jean agreed readily. With equivalent compensation, Jean wouldn't be at a loss. After all, who knows what a soul is even used for? It's not like one could really devour 10,000 souls to awaken.
'I, Jean, would rather starve to death, die out there, or jump from here than devour souls to awaken.'
"Please come to the Research Department; we have the appropriate equipment there to train, uh, discipline this soul."
Although Miss Meido corrected herself mid-sentence, Jean already understood the fate of this big snake after death. But what did that have to do with Jean, a cold-blooded glutton?
---
Following Miss Meido, Jean arrived at the most mysterious place in the entire Underworld: the Research Department.
Actually, the Research Department does have a director, but the director has been slacking off for quite some time now. Yes, that director is the Lord of the Underworld who went off to slack: 'D'.
Thus, Jean is actually the legitimate acting director now.
However, 'D' originally had almost no involvement here, and arrangements like the budget were all handled entirely by Miss Meido, so in reality, the actual director is Miss Meido.
Even so, after the acting director Jean and the de facto director Miss Meido arrived, there wasn't even anyone to welcome them. In fact, almost no one even looked their way; in the entire hall, with its countless cubicles, everyone was completely focused on their work.
Besides that, one could often hear the sounds of arguing. One could see two people wearing white coats and glasses arguing about something unknown.
But as soon as their voices got too loud, they were interrupted by a frenzied sound coming from somewhere nearby. Then, the two would sneakily enter a room marked 'Discussion Room'. Although that room was soundproof, one could see through the transparent glass that the two had started arguing again.
And some who got too heated in their 'discussion' would even take off their tops and start wrestling freestyle.
This must be the academic atmosphere, Jean thought.
------------------------
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!"