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

“But…” Yabemiya could feel their eyes on her. She panicked and didn’t know what to do. They’re Amy’s masters. Should I bend the rules for them?

“I don’t think the owner will reject their requests.”

“Yeah. After all, they’re his daughter’s masters.”

“If he’s willing to bend the rules for them, maybe we could make him sell us more too.”

They talked in whispers, waiting for the waitress’s answer. They decided that Mag would grant the two old men’s requests, so they were thinking about how to talk Mag into bending the rules for them too.

They couldn’t wait to have another serving of this tasty tofu pudding.

Maybe I should have one more bowl of this. Sally seemed ambivalent, looking down at the empty bowl before her. The sweetness of the syrup made her feel so good, and she felt her breath smelled of honey.

“Sorry, each customer is limited to one bowl, and we don’t do take-out on this one,” Mag said, putting down a plate of Yangzhou fried rice in front of Krassu, smiling. “Your Yangzhou fried rice, please enjoy.”

The customers felt astonished and disappointed. Although Mag was smiling, they could see from his expression that he would never compromise.

For an instant, Krassu froze. He looked at his fried rice, and then at Mag. He let us eat for free in the morning, but now he won’t even allow his daughter’s master to have another bowl?

“Don’t worry. I’ll pay for it.” He had got so addicted to the sweetness that he could hardly resist it.

Urien raised an eyebrow. I’ve never been rejected before. Apparently, he’s not very sensible.

Mag shook his head. “The rules are clearly stated on the menu. Hope you enjoy your meals.” He was smiling on the outside, but he was in a bad mood on the inside.

He had figured that many people would be very displeased with this new rule, but this tofu pudding was so rich in nutrients that consuming more than one bowl might be unhealthy. He would never do anything that might potentially harm his restaurant’s reputation.

Besides, he had a mission to accomplish, and the rewards were really tempting.

“Please follow the rules, Masters,” Amy said warily.

“We will. Nothing can be accomplished without rules,” Krassu replied, smiling. He spooned some rice into his mouth. “This Yangzhou fried rice is so good!”

Urien took a bite of his roujiamo. “Mmm, this roujiamo tastes great.”

The two old men had pretty much given up the hope of having another serving. They could have forced him to comply, but that would have been very inappropriate, especially before his daughter.

Nobody dared treat them like this.

Nobody but Mag. He treated them in the same manner as other customers, even though he knew very well who they were and what they were capable of.

He treats everyone equally, without discrimination. Maybe that’s a good thing. Krassu took a look at Mag, and got back to eating his food.

“Please sell me one more bowl. I really need it. I’ll pay 10 times the price. Please,” Lucia entreated, rising to her feet. She felt a little insecure as her husband had grown less affectionate. This dish was a godsend for her; she was willing to pay a ridiculously high price for it.

Mag shook his head with a smile. “I’m really sorry, Ma’am. Please come back tomorrow morning.” Then he said to the system, “2,000! Come on! It’s stupid not to sell her!”

“Please mind your language. Insulting me may trigger a hidden mission,” the system said sulkily. “What good are the rules if nobody follows them? You are to be the God of Cookery. 2,000 copper coins is really nothing compared to your great cause.”

“I’ll give you 2,000 copper coins.”

“That’s so nice of you!” the system said happily.

“Well, I was just kidding.”

“But…” said Lucia.

Mag smiled. “I hope you enjoy your meal.” He turned around and walked back into the kitchen, leaving her standing there.

Lucia still hadn’t recovered from her surprise. She realized for the first time that money wasn’t everything.

“We’ll come back here first thing in the morning, Lucia,” her friend said softly, tugging at her hand. “The two old men he just rejected are both very powerful magic casters.”

“Magic casters?!” Lucia’s eyes went wide. She knew what these two words meant. She resumed her seat quietly.

“Mag doesn’t even bend the rules for his little girl’s masters. He’s really a man of his word.”

“I would definitely sell it to her at 10 times the price.”

“Looks like we have to come back early tomorrow.”

The customers chatted in whispers. They had a deeper understanding of Mag now.