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

Mag put down the roujiamo in his hand and rose to his feet to open the door. Outside stood a tall, lean man in a black long gown, his black hat almost over his eyes. He stood sideways, and said in a low voice, “May I come in?”

Mag recognized his face. He nodded and let him in, then closed the door again. The man was the owner of the private detective agency that Mag had been to the other day. Mag had hired him to investigate Krassu and Urien. His name, Sherlock, was the reason why Mag had chosen him. Mag never thought to see him so soon.

“These are the files you wanted. I don’t know what you’re planning to do, but I advise you not to mess with them,” Sherlock said, pulling a paper bag out of his clothes and handing it to Mag. He took a glance at Yabemiya and Amy, and lowered his voice. “Krassu’s file wasn’t very hard to get. It’s very detailed, and worth every coin. But I’ve only found a little about the other magic caster. Last night, I sneaked into his shop, and he burnt my hair. He is very powerful.”

Mag glanced at his burnt hair showing under his hat. The last time he saw him, he had had long curly hair, a mustache, and a wild smile, and now he was very cautious and a little pale. He must have had a rough night.

Mag nodded. “Thank you.” The bag was pretty heavy, so now he should be able to decide who was more suitable to become Amy’s master. Sherlock had done a pretty good job.

The detective nodded. “I’ll take my leave, then.” Apparently, he didn’t want to stay. Then he saw Amy, who was eating roujiamo, and paused for a moment.

It’s the adorable girl from the other day. What’s that strange cake in her hand? And what’s that white dish in the bowl? he wondered. The pleasant smell of meat and tofu pudding made him swallow. He hadn’t eaten anything yet, because he had to deliver the bag to Mag before the magic potion shop opened. His stomach rumbled at the inviting smell.

“Do you serve breakfast yet, Mag?” asked Sherlock.

Mag shook his head. “Not for another 30 minutes. Sorry.” He gave a strange smile and handed 10 gold coins to the detective. 10 gold coins is not even enough to buy two plates of Yangzhou fried rice. I feel sorry about his hair.

Sherlock nodded. “I see. Guess I have to come back again sometime. Bye.” He took another look at the roujiamo in Amy’s hand and left.

Mag locked the door and seated himself on a chair by the door. He pulled the files out of the bag and started reading fast. He furrowed his brow, but his frown soon disappeared, replaced by a hesitant look.

Krassu’s file was indeed very detailed, including his life from when he was young to the day he arrived at Chaos City. Sherlock even knew where the old man was living right now.

He has found so much information on a royal magic caster. He truly is a professional.

Mag was relieved as he was more or less sure now that Krassu had nothing to do with that incident years before. He is not so dangerous as long as he’s not one of them.

He had found out that Krassu knew the elven princess. He wanted to take her on as his disciple, but somehow it didn’t work out. So maybe he still likes her.

Urien’s file was much thinner. The file said that he was a very mysterious magic caster who had run his magic potion shop on the Aden Square for almost 10 years. His business was neither good nor bad. He sold various low-tier magic potions, and could provide them in large quantities, so many adventurer groups were his customers. He always kept a low profile.

Sherlock mentioned that there might be some grudge between Urien and Krassu, but he didn’t go into details. Mag didn’t know whether he didn’t know much or was afraid of them.

Looks like Krassu is a better choice than the shadowy Urien, Mag thought as he furrowed his brow. Krassu wants to find a disciple. He is already 121. His days are numbered, so finding a disciple must be his first priority.

He was aware that Amy is a half-elf, but he hardly seemed to care. So apparently, he is very adamant. I think he is ready to deal with any problems Amy may cause him.

If he really likes Amy and won’t take her to the Magus Tower…

Amy’s cheerful voice interrupted his thinking. “Father, this savory tofu pudding is very tasty!” Mag put the files into the bag again. He walked over to Amy. She had already finished the roujiamo and a bowl of tofu pudding. She looked up at him, eyebrows like crescent moons from smiling.

“Do you like the savory one the most?” Mag asked with a smile, wiping the corner of her mouth clean.

Amy shook her head. “I want to try the sweet one too. I think it’ll be as good as the savory one,” she said as she stared at the tofu pudding with golden-red syrup, eyes shining with excitement. I’m almost full. This sweet tofu pudding will be my dessert. I’ll be in heaven.

Mag nodded. “Okay. Try it.” His little girl was a hopeless foodie, but there was nothing he could do, because she was so cute even when she asked for food! Mag pushed the bowl in front of her slowly.

Yabemiya’s face lit up. She had thought that Amy might not try the sweet one, because she liked the savory one, but clearly she was wrong. Maybe she’ll like this one better.

Amy spooned some sweet tofu pudding into her mouth. Her big blue eyes closed. The tofu pudding covered by syrup melted immediately, sweetness spreading in her mouth.

Both Mag and Yabemiya were gazing at Amy, expectant. Amy’s judgment was very crucial.