The Chef's Secret Ingredient
Askal crumpled up the performance evaluation notice and hurled it straight into the trash can. He brooded in silence.
Nothing had gone his way lately.
It felt as if fate itself were forcing him to bury his bones in the empire. But defying fate was the true path a human being ought to pursue.
He would stumble and fall again and again, spectacularly ruin everything, get fired from the administration, and then—
He would open a chicken skewer shop in the mild, sunny southwest of Kelly Kingdom and enjoy a leisurely retirement.
“You have two tasks to handle today.”
Ria handed him the documents just as Askal finished his morning self-motivation ritual. How long has it been since I had real work?
Askal pounced on the papers like a starving dog licking an empty rice bowl.
“The first is a dispute over vacant land in the shopping district. The second involves an illegal street stall run by a witch.”
“Can’t we just demolish the illegal stall?”
“Apparently the officers are afraid of being cursed. The matter has been passed on to us.”
“What is this, hot potato? A chain letter?”
After listening to Ria’s explanation, Askal skimmed the documents and quickly organized the details in his head.
The empire’s shopping district was crowded, and merchants were desperate to open shops there. Land was always in short supply. So when a vacant plot appeared this time, three bidders immediately stepped forward.
1. A famous pastry chef hoping to open a dessert shop featuring the latest trends.
2. A rancher who ran a large livestock operation and wanted to open a butcher shop that sourced meat directly from his own farm.
3. A cook who had come up from the countryside and dreamed of opening a small restaurant.
“I’m not sure if this will help your decision, but the pastry chef and the rancher sent gifts. They added that they would appreciate your favorable consideration.”
“Send them back.”
“Understood.”
Ria left without a word, carrying the bribes. Up until now, Askal had always funneled any bribes he received to Eileen’s orphanage, but this time he couldn’t accept them. After all, he was going to choose the third candidate anyway.
The countryside cook, Hanson.
Askal remembered him clearly.
For a long time the man had failed to secure a spot in the shopping district and had drifted through odd jobs. Eventually, years later, he borrowed money to open a tiny shop.
And the shop became a massive hit.
Hanson’s restaurant succeeded so spectacularly that it made the list of must-visit eateries for any gourmet visiting the empire.
Then shouldn’t I avoid choosing him?
But here came the twist.
At some point, citizens of the empire began falling ill. Every single one of them had eaten at Hanson’s restaurant.
Hanson had been sprinkling magic stone powder into his dishes, dramatically increasing their addictiveness. In exchange, impurities from the powder accumulated inside his customers’ bodies, eventually making them sick.
And for that crime, Hanson was executed, and the entire shopping district nearly collapsed.
The magic stone poisoning scandal became such a huge topic that it dominated conversation among citizens for a long time.
A scandal of that magnitude would completely overturn his current stellar performance review. With luck, he might even get fired from the administration.
He had even practiced his dramatic sobbing and pleas of innocence in case the blame spread through guilt by association.
His preparations were perfect.
Askal turned to Ria, who had just returned after rejecting the bribes.
“Grant the permit to the cook from the countryside.”
“Understood.”
Even though it was an unexpected choice, Ria offered no objection and simply obeyed.
Honestly, Ria was an exceptionally competent aide. Whenever he needed something, she already had it ready. When he looked like he could use a break, she brought snacks and coffee.
It was almost baffling how someone like her could possibly evolve into a tyrant and destroy the empire.
Well, not my problem.
Askal stretched lazily and slumped sideways in his chair.
It was legally sanctioned nap time.
As he relaxed and let his body go limp, sleep gently washed over him.
The empire needs you.
Count Yorick’s words suddenly echoed in his mind.
I’m sorry, Count Yorick. But I never actually promised anything, did I? I need to eat and live too.
It looked like he would finally enjoy a pleasant, long-overdue nap.
Just as expected, Hanson’s restaurant became a runaway success.
His reinterpretations of regional dishes perfectly matched what citizens craved. Word spread faster than anticipated, and customers flooded in.
It reached the point where you couldn’t even get a table without booking a week in advance.
“I want to try eating at New Hanson too. But they say reservations are booked solid for the whole month… Since you’re the one who gave the permit, couldn’t you ask for us just once?”
“That’s improper solicitation.”
“You’re so mean.”
Susia grumbled as she organized the documents.
But when Askal thought about it, eating at Hanson’s restaurant didn’t seem like a bad idea. By now the side effects of the magic stone powder should be starting to appear. He wanted to check whether his plan was proceeding smoothly.
“If you want to try it that badly, I’ll ask once.”
“As expected of the empire’s hidden dragon, my light, the hope of Division 3—Director Askal! I knew I could count on you.”
Her flattery had reached a level that was almost ridiculous, but Askal let it go in one ear and sent a letter to Hanson’s restaurant.
The reply came quickly.
I have been waiting for you. Today I will serve you properly.
“…That’s a bit much.”
Had he really been thinking that deeply about it?
Anyway, Askal stood up and addressed the staff of Division 3.
“Anyone who wants to join the division dinner at New Hanson after work today, raise your hand. Only those who want to participate.”
Every single hand shot up.
Even Ria shyly lifted hers. Askal stared at her. Ria averted her gaze.
“I… would like to try it too.”
“I see.”
Even the future tyrant couldn’t resist good food.
New Hanson.
True to its name—taken from the chef and owner himself—the restaurant had a distinctive atmosphere even before the first bite. The layout considered customer flow, and the interior was tasteful without being excessive or lacking.
It was no coincidence that it had once been hailed as the empire’s top restaurant, even if only temporarily.
“Lord Askal. I have truly wanted to meet you. I have never forgotten the grace you showed this nameless country bumpkin.”
The moment they entered, owner Hanson greeted Askal’s group with utmost hospitality.
“It’s all thanks to your exceptional skill. I merely did what was required.”
“No, no. I learned later that the other two offered expensive bribes while I applied empty-handed. Looking back, I was such a fool… I’m relieved I can finally repay your kindness.”
Hanson fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a small bundle. A glimpse of gleaming gold through the gap in the cloth looked rather ominous.
“I’ll just take the thought.”
Askal had firm standards when it came to bribes. Everyday necessities or food gifts could be accepted without issue, but money carried too high a risk of backlash.
“…Hic.”
Suddenly Hanson collapsed on the spot and began to cry.
Wait, he’s this upset just because I didn’t accept a bribe?
Askal was taken aback.
“I have cooked my whole life. But running a restaurant isn’t just about making good food. I’ve been swindled countless times. I resented a world that refused to recognize me.”
Hanson began his confession.
“Until now, the only person who truly saw me for who I am is you, Lord Askal. If you want this shop, I will give it to you.”
“You’d really hand it over?”
“…Actually, that would be difficult.”
Tsk. Then don’t say it in the first place.
A slightly embarrassed Hanson guided Division 3 to the most expensive private room on the second floor.
“Of course, there will be no charge for the meal. Please enjoy our restaurant to your heart’s content.”
Hanson spoke with confidence. His pride as a chef was evident.
“Wow. Connections really are everything. I have to brag about this to the kids later.”
Susia chattered away, taking in every detail of the private room. If cameras existed in this world, she looked ready to snap dozens of photos.
In contrast, Ria quietly pulled out the chair at the head of the table and guided Askal to sit.
“Learn from her.”
“Hmph. I’m not your secretary, you know.”
In his mind, Askal moved Susia to the top of his mental layoff list and took his seat.
Now it was time to focus.
Whether the food contained magic stone powder or not.
Even if he couldn’t tell, Ria—who was sensitive to magic—should be able to detect it.
The appetizers soon arrived.
Susia didn’t even wait for her superior to try them first. She greedily scooped up a bite.
“This is seriously delicious. Director, you should try it quic—huh?”
Susia paused mid-sentence with a strange look, then coughed violently.
“Achoo!”
What she spat out was thick, black blood.