A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World

Howls of anguish immediately erupted throughout the restaurant. They were there to enjoy delicious cuisine, but suddenly encountered such a perilous and upsetting event; even though it was only a false alarm in the end, the sight of such delectable food being knocked over was an unforgettable one.

“We can only serve one tofu pudding per person, but the tableware that you damaged will be on me. You say you’re unlucky, but at least the door to your house is still intact.” Mag pointed at the empty entrance of the restaurant with a resigned expression, lamenting his terrible luck.

All of the customers burst into laughter upon hearing that. Mag hadn’t done anything to provoke anyone, but the door to his restaurant had been sent flying.

Furthermore, everyone was quite touched by the sight of Mag and the little owner standing fearlessly before the restaurant entrance to protect that girl in the white dress. Not everyone could be so generous to a new customer in their restaurant, let alone in such a dangerous situation.

“Alright, seeing as you’re so kind, I’ll get another roujiamo to console myself.”

“I spilled my braised soup! I want another dish of braised chicken with rice!”

“You truly do not love the food on your plates! I hid under the table and didn’t spill so much as a single drop of my tofu pudding! I’m still waiting for a Yangzhou fried rice, though.”

Novan’s presence calmed down all of the customers, and Mag’s words livened up the atmosphere again. Anything could happen in Chaos City. After all, even a battle between the two 10th-tier magic casters, Krassu and Urien, could draw a crowd of spectators, so no one was cowardly enough to run home after such a minor ordeal.

“Alright, please wait for a moment.” Mag recorded all of the customers’ orders before making his way over to Krassu and Novan’s table. With a smile, he asked, “May I take your order?”

“Your restaurant’s decor is very unique. Looks like you’ve been to many places.” Novan didn’t immediately state his order. Instead, he glanced around at the restaurant before turning to look into Mag’s eyes as if he were trying to see something in them.

“I spent big money, so it’s naturally going to be quite unique. The artist I hired claimed that he had traveled the entire continent, and was well-versed in everything. However, he was clearly just bragging, and in the eyes of a true master, his work is most likely downright laughable,” Mag replied with a natural smile. He was not at all concerned with Novan’s inquisitive words.

“Please watch your mouth! The system never brags!!” The system’s enraged voice erupted.

“You’re being far too harsh on him there. I really think the art here is impeccable, with the exception of that Magus Tower.” Krassu shook his head wistfully.

“The artwork of Chaos City is quite well done, but it’s missing some soul. The artwork is very accurate, but it holds no meaning. It is the work of a craftsman, not a master.” Novan offered his critique.

“See? I’m not the one criticizing here!” Mag said internally, and was struck by an urge to chuckle.

“He was the one who designed the Magus Tower; how can he blame me for producing hideous artwork when his design is so unsightly?! My artwork is a completely realistic rendition!

“The Chaos City artwork is a shrunk-down version of the city’s satellite image. Aside from the fact that it doesn’t have any annotations, you can use it as a map. Why does a map need any so-called soul?”

The system had been enraged, and protested at the top of its lungs.

Mag only smiled without saying anything. He was struck by a peculiar sense of satisfaction when hearing the system’s flustered voice.

Novan turned his gaze away from Mag. It appeared that his suspicions were unwarranted. He opened the menu, and was a little taken aback by the prices that he saw, but he didn’t show it. After a brief glance, he closed the menu, and said in a gentle voice, “I’d like a braised chicken with rice and a savory tofu pudding.”

“Sure, please wait a moment.” Mag nodded with a smile before turning toward the kitchen. At the same time, he heaved an internal sigh of relief. If he could fool Novan, then he would have no issues in Chaos City.

Furthermore, if he wanted to create things like the steam engine in the future, then interaction with Novan would be unavoidable. Vice-principal Hydle specialized in that area, but his rank was too low for him to propose any conditions.

“This young man is very interesting.” Novan smiled as he looked at Mag’s departing figure.

“He is indeed. I feel like he can change this entire world…” Krassu nodded with a smile. After a short pause, he continued, “He is a culinary genius.”

“Changing the world is no simple task.” Novan shook his head.

“You boasted about changing the world regularly back in the day.” Krassu pursed his lips.

“It’s exactly because I’ve tried that I know just how difficult it is. I’ve been trying to change the world my entire life, but it looks Chaos City won’t develop into the city that I envision before I leave this world.” Novan shook his head with a smile that carried a hint of pride as well as some dejection.

“You’ve already changed the world. A hundred years ago, no one would have believed it possible for a city where all races resided in harmony to exist on the Norland Continent. No one could have imagined a fair education system for the young of all species, either, but all of that has appeared in Chaos City.” Krassu’s smile faded as he nodded with an earnest expression. He said, “You’ve already done more than enough to change the world.”

“I didn’t believe that he could change the world just then, but now, I feel like it could perhaps be possible. For an elf and a demon to sit and dine at the same table, it indicates that his food must hold some special type of allure. He had already achieved something that I couldn’t after several decades of toil, so I look forward to seeing what he will do next.” Novan’s gaze rested on an elf and a demon who were sitting across one another at a table, and a surprised look appeared on his face.

…

“Master Turtle, will they be alright?” Amy entered a magic potion shop, and looked at Xixi and Lulu—who were lying on the counter—with a concerned expression.

“Don’t worry. They won’t die, but they won’t be able to recover all that quickly, either.” Urien strode over to the shelf with his hands behind his back, and said in a husky voice, “Get those big ones out of here; they’re too hot.”

“Alright.” Sargeras hurriedly nodded before obediently leading the lava demons outside.

Lulu turned his head with difficulty to look over at Xixi. His fingers slowly crept over the counter to latch onto Xixi’s hand, upon which a doting smile appeared on his face.

Xixi was extremely pale, and was close to falling unconscious, but she seemed to have been reinvigorated after Lulu held her hand, and she also put on a faint smile.

Thank heavens you’re still with me.

Sally strode forward upon seeing that, and said to Urien, “Perhaps I can help.”