Chapter 329

The inside of the Adventurer Guild fell into silence at Shail’s words.

Perhaps the event Shail proposed was shockingly unexpected.

“Cooking… you say?”

Kurt asked with a trembling voice, as if he couldn’t believe his own ears.

No, not just Kurt—his entire party seemed stunned by the unexpected proposal.

Seeing their reaction, Shail couldn’t help but smile, as it was exactly what he had anticipated.

“Fufu. It aligns with the definition of using one’s body and is an utterly non-violent event. Besides, didn’t you say you’d leave the choice of the event to me?”

“No! Marquis Delphine!!”

At that moment, someone shouted in protest to Shail’s proposal.

It was Albert.

Despite being held captive by the adventurers, he desperately tried to dissuade Shail’s decision.

“That proposal is unacceptable! Marquis Delphine! He is…!”

“Be quiet. The whispers you exchanged with the adventurers earlier—did you really think I wouldn’t hear them?”

But all that returned was Shail’s cold voice.

Even though Albert’s voice was small when he apologized to them out of guilt, Shail, being one of the Empire’s seven masters, wouldn’t miss even the faintest sound.

“Th-that was…”

“Still, I never expected you to side with the adventurers. I thought we had grown close after working together on missions, but to betray me like this… I’m truly hurt.”

“No, it’s not that. That Lizardman, Kurt, is really…”

“Or are you suggesting that this Lizardman adventurer is actually skilled at cooking? Does that make sense to you? Don’t say another word. I’ll hold you accountable for this after everything is over.”

“N-no, that’s not it…”

After coldly dismissing Albert, Shail turned back to Kurt with a bright smile.

“You’re not going to back out now, are you? Let’s settle this with a cooking duel.”

“Fine. I accept.”

“You’re refusing? Then… huh?”

‘What? Did I mishear?’

Shail was visibly flustered, his usual composure slipping.

His plan had been to propose something outrageous, get a refusal, and then use that as leverage to gain more advantages—a basic noble negotiation tactic.

But contrary to his expectations, Kurt accepted the proposal without hesitation, as if welcoming it.

‘No way. A Lizardman welcoming a cooking duel?’

It was as absurd as a noble joining the Adventurer Guild as a porter.

Shail looked at Kurt again.

“I said I accept. A cooking duel with you.”

But Kurt’s answer remained unchanged.

“Just so you know, I won’t accept anyone else stepping in to take your place now.”

“That won’t happen. I’ll be the one to compete. Let’s get started. It’s almost lunchtime anyway.”

“…Very well.”

Shail nodded, feeling uneasy at how easily Kurt accepted his proposal.

It wasn’t just acceptance—it felt like Kurt was eager to start before Shail could change his mind.

Even his companions didn’t try to stop him…

“Something feels off…”

…

…

…

And so, the present.

“…I never thought you’d actually accept this proposal. But fine. Even so, I don’t think I’ll lose this duel.”

The two stood in front of the kitchen, ready for the cooking duel.

Though Shail felt a bit uneasy about how easily the duel had been arranged, he was confident.

To be honest, Shail had a secret confidence in his cooking skills.

Aside from swordsmanship, cooking was his only hobby.

Despite his youthful appearance, Shail was actually close to 50, having overcome aging by reaching the master level.

This meant he had decades of experience, even if it was just a hobby.

He believed his skills surpassed those of most amateur chefs.

In fact, during outdoor training or missions, Shail often cooked his own meals instead of leaving it to his subordinates or cooks.

Of course, he wouldn’t have proposed a cooking duel if he didn’t know how to cook.

Even though the proposal was meant to force a refusal and gain an advantage in negotiations, Shail wouldn’t have suggested a duel he couldn’t win.

“Let’s confirm the rules. We’ll both prepare dishes on the same theme, and randomly selected third parties will judge which dish tastes better. If either side interferes with the other’s cooking, bribes the judges, or stacks the panel unfairly, they will immediately forfeit. Do you agree?”

“No objections. A fair duel is what I wanted.”

“Hmph. Confident, aren’t you? Very well. Let’s begin.”

Shail smiled inwardly at Kurt’s eagerness.

He didn’t know what Kurt was relying on, but it didn’t matter.

A Lizardman beating him in a cooking duel was as absurd as a street thug becoming a card game champion.

The only possibility was that Kurt had some underhanded trick prepared, but any trick adventurers might use would pale in comparison to the petty schemes nobles dealt with in the imperial court.

Shail was confident he could see through any trick.

If he sensed any foul play, he’d cut it down immediately.

With that, Shail announced the start of the duel.

“The duel will be a steak and salad. You have one hour to prepare a full course. The judges will decide which dish is better. Let’s begin.”

“Fine.”

The two confidently entered the kitchen and began cooking.

…

…

…

The Adventurer Guild was bustling with adventurers gathered to watch and judge the duel.

Some were curious about the commotion, others wanted to witness the exciting duel, and some were just there for the free food.

The crowd watched with interest as Kurt and Shail prepared their dishes.

“What’s going on here?”

“I heard someone’s having a cooking duel.”

“A cooking duel? In the Adventurer Guild? Why?”

“You know that Lizardman who’s rumored to be an amazing cook? Apparently, a young man came all the way here to challenge him.”

“That’s something. But it makes sense. A Lizardman who’s good at cooking? I’d be curious too.”

“Who do you think will win?”

“A cooking duel? I heard there was one in Leila not long ago…”

“Quiet! It looks like they’re done.”

And with that.

“Done.”

“I’m done too.”

The two emerged from the kitchen, as if they had cooked together.