Chapter 7: Absolutely Not This!

Chapter 7: Absolutely Not This!

“Long time no see, huh? Who would have thought the once naive you has grown into a formidable Ice Dragon King now.”

The man casually remarked while observing the Ice Dragon King seated on the throne. If anyone else dared to speak like this, the Ice Dragon King would likely explode in anger and eliminate them on the spot. Yet here, in front of this man, the Ice Dragon King was exceptionally respectful, fearful of upsetting him.

“Ah, Master, that was just a story from long ago. Can we not dwell on it? Anyway, where have you been all this time? It’s been ages since we last met.”

“I had matters to attend to. After all, I don’t only have you two disciples; I’ve been actively recruiting new ones and training them.”

“I see. So what brings you here this time? Did you spot any potential disciples among our Ice Dragon Clan?”

“I did indeed. And that person happens to be your daughter.”

“Oh? Ailin caught your eye? How fortunate! I never thought she would be noticed by you. However, I must apologize, Master. She isn’t here in the Dragon Clan Palace at the moment; she’s over in that human country.”

“I know that as well. I’m just here to inform you, as your daughter has piqued my interest. As her guardian, I felt it necessary to let you know. I trust you have no objections?”

“None at all! It’s already a huge honor for her to be chosen as your disciple. I wouldn’t dream of having any objections. But, um… Master, are your training methods still the same as before?”

The Ice Dragon King recalled the grueling days spent training under the man, alongside Carl. It had been tough, and he worried his daughter might struggle with the intensity.

“I can sense your concern. Although my training methods might be quite brutal for your daughter, rigorous training is essential for growth. Facing those Ultimate Life Forms isn’t a walk in the park.”

“My apologies, Master. I was just overthinking it.”

“Yes, your attitude remains commendable as ever. By the way, I didn’t come here just to inform you about your daughter. Would you like to come back with me? I’m in need of someone to cook for me. Originally, I intended to bring Carl along, but that kid refused, insisting he must rebuild the Blood Clan’s homeland alone. So, I had no choice but to leave him to his own devices. What about you? Do you have any reasons to stay here?”

“Master… you really don’t need me to cook, do you? I haven’t cooked in ages.”

Back when he was under this man’s tutelage, he and Carl had handled all the cooking duty. It was a fair trade: they cooked, the Master taught them.

“Is that so? I quite enjoyed the meals you two made. The meals prepared by my later disciples… well, let’s just say each was worse than the last, leaving much to be desired. If you’re not interested, I’ll just have your daughter and her friends cook instead. I hope your daughter’s cooking isn’t too horrible. The wind told me she isn’t exactly proficient in cooking.”

“That’s true. Ailin’s cooking skills are a complete disaster. But she’s not the only one cooking; there are two others, right? Three of them together should manage not to make inedible food.”

“I’m not so sure. After all, whether food is delicious or not depends on the chef’s skill, not the number of cooks. Since you refuse to come back with me, continue guarding your Dragon Clan Palace. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Master, are you really leaving so soon? Won’t you stay for a meal? You said my cooking was good, right? It’s been so long since you’ve had it. Why not take this chance to enjoy a meal I make?”

Seeing the man about to leave, the Ice Dragon King quickly called out to him; since he was already here, might as well eat together before parting.

“Well, you have a point there. Alright, I’ll stay a little longer. It’s been ages since I’ve had your cooking. I wonder if your skills have declined.”

“Don’t worry; I haven’t aged! I’ve just grown up; my cooking skills haven’t worsened. Just sit tight, Master, and I’ll get the food ready shortly.”

With that, the Ice Dragon King flew out of his palace to prepare a delicious meal for his Master.

“Mm. Your attitude is still as nice as before. I just wonder if your daughter inherited this trait.”

The man sat quietly on the floor of the hall, waiting patiently.

…

“Ah, finally back! We caught so many fish! What should we do with them? Should we make fish soup or grill them?”

Seeing the bountiful catch, Aierjisi couldn’t help but imagine the delicious grilled fish. Grilling them would undoubtedly be amazing.

“Of course we should make fish soup! What a delight it is to sip a hot bowl of fish soup in this cold weather!”

Ailin immediately countered, insisting on fish soup. Who needed grilled fish in this freeze? By the time they finished grilling, the fish would be frozen solid!

“But grilled fish is clearly tastier!”

“Yet fish soup provides plenty of warmth, making it way more comforting!”

Aierjisi and Ailin quickly fell into a heated debate, while nearby Weirafiya watched the commotion with amusement.

“Weirafiya, what do you think we should do with the fish? Grill them or turn them into soup?”

They didn’t miss the opportunity to pull the little phoenix, Weirafiya, into their argument.

“Huh? You’re asking me? I think either way is fine, but… since this opportunity is rare with so many fish, why not try making a Star Gazing Pie?”

“Absolutely NOT!!!” x2

“Wait… why on earth is that not okay?”