Chapter 4 - Part 28 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

Han moved close to the table and soon felt a gentle tap on the back of his knees. Sitting down, he slowly gazed at his creations at the table. They had a smile on each of their faces as though waiting for him to begin eating first. Being the first time they sat together and shared a meal, he couldn't help but feel again like he was inside a fantasy world instead of his home back on Earth.

"The food looks delicious," Han breathed in the smell of food as he looked at the numerous items displayed on the table.

The maid who held his chair grabbed a serving spoon and dished out an enormous pile of scrambled eggs to his dish.

Han picked up a fork, broke off some of the eggs, and took a bite. He first noticed how light and fluffy the eggs were, in addition to the lovely golden color. He detected even a slight spice, complementing the eggs' natural taste. Even without adding salt or black pepper, the item exploded with flavor.

As the maid placed some bacon and sausages onto his plate, Han used his fingers to pick up some of the crispy meat. He took a moment to examine the exterior, not seeing any singed parts and marveling how it wasn't soggy.

There have been plenty of times when he'd enjoy breakfast at a hotel that served a hot breakfast buffet. The bacon would have blackened parts from being kept in the oven for too long or be soggy from sitting in the grease. Though it was barely adequate for breakfast at a hotel, it wasn't an experience he appreciated.

"I hope that the food meets your standards," The bunny girl maid's brows were slightly raised, uncertain of what Han would say.

Han slightly shook his head, "No, I was actually admiring how the chef had done a remarkable job with the bacon. The quality is considerably better than what I have seen considering the number of people the staff has to serve."

Being the one that created them, he was well aware of the number of staff that the dining staff had to prepare food for at the Stronghold. It was on the level of a commercial kitchen at a luxury hotel, having to serve the guests on top of the hundreds of staff.

Grabbing some biscuits and placing them on a plate, Han grabbed a gravy boat. Tipping it over the biscuit, the thick gravy with large chunks of sausages slowly flowed over the fluffy bread. Slowly moving the boat in a circle, the bread was covered with the warm, steaming, delicious sauce.

Helania, Queen, and Brittany patiently waited as their plates were filled with various food on the serving dishes.

Helania enjoyed the assortment of fruits, hard-boiled eggs, and yogurt. Using a knife, she meticulously cut the fruit into smaller sizes before delicately placing the items into her mouth.

This was different from what Queen enjoyed, piles of meat like thick-cut ham, bacon, and sausages. There were even cuts of steak and roast beef for her to enjoy. Though she did use her silverware to cut up the various types of meat, they weren't nearly as neatly portioned out.

As Han ate the food, enjoying the flavor and the juices that came out of the food, he couldn't help but notice that Brittany had placed the same types of food that he was enjoying. He tried not to smile too obviously, wondering if the woman was following his lead or if she had selected what she wanted.

"Master, will we be traveling to the Academic City today?" Helania glanced at him as she was cutting up a melon.

Nodding, "That is correct. I look forward to seeing what the city is like and the types of people that attend it." Han couldn't help but picture magical schools he had read about in books.

"Based on what that woman had hinted at, I suspect that nobles attending the school may be an issue," Queen sneered at the idea. "I relish seeing how they dare to mess with us."

Brittany raised a hand to her mouth as she giggled at Queen's words, "I have no doubt they are people who have no concept of actual power." Her eyes looked to Han as she blushed, "They can only hope..."

"Do not go too overboard," Helania sternly looked at Brittany and Queen. Seeing Queen roll her eyes at the comment, Helania placed her silverware down. "Even if those nobles are no threat to us, they can still make things bothersome, especially for our Master. I will not accept either of you antagonizing the nobles and jeopardizing things."

Han nodded at Helania's words, "I do not intend to make a big show while I attend that school. If any nobles are thoughtless enough to mess with me, I desire them to be neatly managed so no one may infer our involvement."

"As you wish, My Master," Queen nodded at his words.

Brittany pouted, "Yes, Master."

Thanking the maid who poured him juice into his cup, Han chuckled, "There will be plenty of opportunities where we can show off our strengths. There are even a few ideas in mind, which I imagine will generate plenty of chaos indirectly in this world."

Brittany perked up, "What do you have in mind?"

"I will leave that a mystery for now," Han smiled as he placed a finger on his lips.

Seeing that everyone had eaten their fill, Han grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth.

The maids began clearing away the dishes in front of each of them before presenting a bowl filled with crystal-clear water.

Han placed his hands into the water and began washing them, removing the grease from his hands and under his fingernails. The bunny girl held out a towel which he took from her hands and began drying his hands. Another maid offered a hot towel, which he used to wipe his face. The steam on the towel helped relax him after a large meal, feeling his skin clean.

Some of him wanted to enjoy another bath with his creations, but Han was far more eager to be on his way to the next part of his journey.

As he stood, the bunny girl maid pulled out the chair.

"Make sure to let everyone know that I enjoyed the meal. I look forward to the next one." Han looked to the maid, feeling grateful for having such dedicated people who pour such passion into their craft.

"Your words are too kind. I have no doubt that they would be honored to know that you enjoyed what they prepared for you, Master." The maid bowed.

Han felt like a parent, seeing their child blossom into a respected member of society. They showed such filial obedience and love even though he hadn't dictated any command on how they should behave. Each of them was a blank canvas, but over such a short time, his creations have evolved into competent and dedicated people. Though Han did place inside each of them that they wouldn't betray him, he couldn't help but think that people on Earth would've accomplished only the bare minimum. But his creations differed in how they went above and beyond his expectations.