The golden morning sun peeked through the crimson curtains.
Azreal stirred from his sleep, slowly sitting up. The bed beside him was empty.
"She's already up?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
He stepped into the restroom, freshened up, and changed into a sleek black robe. With a final glance in the mirror, he left his chambers.
The main hall was buzzing with life.
Crimson ribbons draped the walls. Strange flamy flowers lit up the space, casting a warm glow. A long table sat at the center, fit for royalty. The maids were rushing around, placing cutlery and adjusting decorations.
Fredrick stood tall at the door, greeting the arriving guests. Just then, Nena walked past and caught Azreal's eye.
"Good morning, Azreal," she said with a polite smile. "How was your night?"
"Peaceful," Azreal replied with a soft smile. "Where's Aria?"
"In the kitchen, of course. Preparing her dish," Nena said. "The competition starts soon. You should head to the judge's seat. Did you prepare a speaker?"
Azreal paused. "...No. I completely forgot. But I have someone in mind."
Nena laughed. "You're always ." She walked off, leaving him to his thoughts.
Azreal made his way down the stairs, sitting at the judge's table. He watched silently as the final touches were added to the hall.
One by one, the guests began to arrive.
A loud voice boomed from the entrance, "Lord Veymar of the Second Gate makes his appearance!"
Veymar entered, head high, and gave a nod toward Azreal. "Seems I'm early," he said, taking his seat.
"You're right on time," Azreal replied. "Everyone will show up. Nena's cooking brings out the best of Hell."
A moment later, another call echoed, "Lord Dragos of the Fifth Gate has arrived!"
Dragos stepped in with his usual stern face, bowing slightly before sitting. Veymar grinned.
"Never thought I'd see you at a cooking competition," he teased. "Hungry warrior hiding under that serious mask?"
Dragos frowned. "I came because Lord Azreal invited me. That's all."
"Hai, hai," Veymar chuckled.
Then came Malphas. "Lord Malphas of the First Gate makes his appearance!"
He entered calmly, bowing to Azreal before sitting.
Veymar grinned again. "Hope you brought your appetite, Malphas."
"Nena's food is worth it. No one compares," Malphas replied.
Azreal smiled. "True... but someone dared to challenge her today. We might be surprised."
"Lord Xaltheon of the Third Gate has arrived!"
Xaltheon entered with a light smile, nodding at the others. "Seems I'm not the first after all."
Malphas laughed. "Nena has quite the fanbase."
"I see Dragos is here too," Xaltheon said with a knowing smirk. "Unexpected."
Dragos coughed. "I'm just honoring Lord Azreal's wishes."
Veymar laughed. "Sure, sure. Dragos, admit it—you're a fan too."
Azreal chuckled. "No need to act like you're at work today, Dragos."
Dragos muttered, "I know that."
"You're blushing," Veymar smirked.
"Lord Damantia of the Soul Gate has made his appearance!"
Damantia entered silently, his soul scales hovering behind him like shadows. He bowed and sat without a word.
"Didn't think you'd come," Malphas said.
"The invitation came from Azreal himself," Damantia replied.
Veymar nudged Xaltheon. "Another one from the 'Lord Azreal Loyalty Squad'."
Xaltheon grinned. "C'mon Damantia, we all know you're here for the food. Relax, there are no souls to guide today."
Damantia simply coughed, not answering.
"Lady Selmora of the Fourth Gate has arrived!"
Selmora walked in with elegance, smiling as she took her seat.
"The lady of the hour has arrived," Veymar said dramatically.
"I almost brought my opera troupe," she replied.
"Glad you didn't," Malphas muttered.
"The food is enough drama," Veymar added.
Azreal looked around. "We're all here... except Laisa."
"She'll come when we've already started," Selmora said, sighing.
Just then, Hulk appeared behind Azreal and bowed. "My Lord. Everything is ready."
Azreal turned to him. "I need you to do something important."
"You'll be the speaker for the event."
Hulk blinked. "M-Me? But I'm not—"
"You'll be fine. Just be yourself."
Hulk nodded nervously and stepped forward. Fredrick handed him a scroll.
Hulk cleared his throat. "Welcome, everyone. I hope you've saved your appetite."
He raised his voice dramatically. "In this Battle of Chefs, we have the reigning Grand Chef—Hell's Number One Cook—facing off against the Duchess of Disaster! And... it seems there's a surprise third participant: the Princess of Scarlet Flames!"
Gasps echoed through the room.
Aria and Nena entered, both pushing trays of food. But behind them—
Laisa entered, smirking, also rolling a tray.
Azreal leaned forward. "So she really joined too..."
"They're all just begging to lose," Veymar whispered.
As the dishes were placed, Aria casually walked up beside Damantia.
Damantia looked at her with a frown. "I would never taste the food of—"
Before he could finish, she popped a spoon into his mouth.
She smiled sweetly. "Seems Lord Damantia loves my cooking."
Everyone stared in shock.
Azreal chuckled. "We'll begin with Aria's dish. What have you prepared?"
"Pasta," she said proudly. Dıscover more novels at 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝙣𝙚𝙩
She served them all. The judges tasted it carefully. Damantia hesitated, suspicious.
"Could she have poisoned it? Is this revenge?!" he thought.
Aria leaned in, teasing. "Need me to feed you again?"
"N-No, I got it..." Damantia muttered, finally eating.
After everyone finished, Hulk announced, "Now for our second contestant—Lady Laisa!"
Laisa shoved Aria aside with a bump of her hips. "Hope you've all washed away that garbage taste."
Selmora blinked. "Why are you so energetic today?"
"None of your business."
Azreal raised a brow. "What's your dish?"
"Rice," Laisa declared.
Aria snickered. "I bet Lulu added petals again."
"She's just mad she can't cook rice without setting the pot on fire," Laisa shot back.
The judges ate. Even Damantia seemed satisfied.
"And finally—our Grand Chef—Nena!"
Nena stepped up with confidence. "I've prepared noodles."
The judges' eyes lit up. They devoured the dish and immediately asked for more.
Nena looked back at the bickering girls. "Go ahead. Cry yourselves to sleep. I've already won."
The time came to decide the winner.
Hulk held up a fan with three faces. "Judges, raise the face of the chef whose dish you enjoyed most."
One by one, the judges raised Nena's face.
She jumped up, fists in the air. "Yes!"
Aria and Laisa turned toward Azreal. This wasn't about food for them.
Azreal smiled quietly.
He picked up his fan... and raised Nena's face.
Aria and Laisa collapsed to the floor, groaning.
Nena laughed triumphantly. "Still the Queen of the Kitchen!"
Maids cheered and hugged her.
As the competition ended, the guests slowly left one by one. The hall quieted down.
Hulk walked over to Azreal.
"You did well," Azreal said. "Even though you doubted yourself."
"I just... tried my best."
"Well, your best was enough."
Azreal stood. "Escort Laisa to her chambers."
And so, the legendary kitchen battle of Hell came to a delicious end.