Tom promised Allen that as long as he gave him a taste of the dishes he cooked, he would waive Allen's food expenses at the bar.
In Tom's view, it wasn't a bad deal—trading some basic ingredients and low-cost meals for Allen's exquisite cooking was more than worth it. So, he happily prepared food for Allen, even patting his belly to assure him he could eat as much as he wanted.
When Allen arrived, the guests in the bar immediately recognized him and greeted him with enthusiastic applause. Many eagerly introduced themselves and expressed their hopes of tasting more of Allen's dishes.
Though the crowd wasn't particularly large, it was quite noisy.
To make his dinner experience a bit quieter, Allen addressed them bluntly:
"Everyone, I'll ask Boss Tom to sell a few of my dishes every day during dinner. The quantity will be limited, and the price will be quite high."
He added calmly, "After all, I don't want anyone disturbing my daily life."
Although his words were arrogant, no one took offense. After having tasted Allen's food, they had become his loyal fans.
So what if it was expensive? They were willing to pay!
The excitement was finally brought under control by Tom, who made sure to brag about Allen's culinary skills in the process.
"You have no idea how good Mr. Cecil's cooking really is. He could turn even biting cabbage into a gourmet delight!" he exclaimed, then began to describe the taste experience. His vivid vocabulary painted even the simplest roasted vegetables as if they were dragon liver and phoenix gallbladder.
The gathered wizards let out a collective "Ohhh—" of amazement, each looking thoughtful.
Biting cabbage? Could such a harsh, inedible thing actually taste good? It seemed no one had ever thought of trying it before. Could that really be a decent ingredient?
They had no idea what kind of meat the marten was that they'd eaten earlier, but after Tom's passionate description, their appetites returned in full force.
The commotion lasted for more than ten minutes until Allen, who was growing impatient, demanded that Tom serve his dinner already.
That evening's meal was simple: chickpea soup with buttered bread and a few slices of tomato.
Thanks to his physically enhanced body, Allen now needed to eat three times as much as an average adult just to feel full. Despite this, he only had two servings for dinner.
The food at Tom's Leaky Cauldron was just barely enough to fill his stomach. As for the taste?
Well, Allen showed the highest respect he could manage by not throwing it away.
White people's rice really isn't good, he thought bitterly. The same old bean soup, dry bread with a slab of butter, and a few wilted greens tossed on the side.
At this point, Allen would rather go out and buy some greasy fish and chips.
After forcing the food down, Allen returned to his room and went straight to sleep. By that time, most shops in Diagon Alley were already closed. If he wanted to buy ingredients, he'd have to wait until morning.
Early the next morning, Allen got up, washed, and got ready to go out. Just as he was about to leave the room, a loud squawk startled him.
Xuanzi, the crow, was flapping inside its cage, screaming anxiously and shaking the door with both claws like a prisoner about to be left behind.
It seemed genuinely worried that Allen might abandon it.
With no other choice, Allen opened the cage door and let the black-feathered creature perch on his shoulder.
"Don't poop, or I'll pluck you bald," Allen warned coldly.
"Gaa-ga!"
After the morning drama, Allen went downstairs and ate a barely adequate English breakfast before leaving the Leaky Cauldron. It was even blander than last night's meal.
Outside, Diagon Alley was already buzzing. Magical goods vendors were scattered along both sides of the street, their energy undiminished by the early hour.
But Allen noticed something different this time: fewer people seemed to be paying attention to him.
In the past, thanks to his sharp features and striking appearance, Allen always drew wandering eyes as he strolled down the busy streets. Today, however, unless someone crossed directly in front of him, they didn't notice him at all.
In fact, the crow on his shoulder seemed to attract more attention than Allen himself.
This was the passive effect of his special ability, [Aura Concealment], now at level E. Even without consciously activating it, the ability made him blend into the background. If he upgraded it to the highest level, Allen figured he could dance naked in front of a crowd and still go unnoticed.
The ability had clear advantages, but today Allen wasn't in the mood to test its limits.
Staring at the bustling street, Allen reached into his pocket and sighed.
After setting aside money for school supplies and some cabbage, he had less than 200 Galleons left. That had to last him the entire year.
He didn't dare spend recklessly.
Still, some things had to be bought.
With a heavy heart and a craving for real ingredients, Allen navigated through the crowd and headed toward the potion materials and equipment shop with practiced ease.
When he entered, the old woman behind the counter didn't notice him at first. It wasn't until the crow let out two loud caws that she finally turned her head.
Upon seeing Allen, she looked startled.
"Oh! Sweetheart," she said in surprise. "Did something go wrong with what I sold you?"
Her eyes immediately darted toward Allen's fingers as if expecting to see injuries. After confirming all ten were still attached and unharmed, she let out a sigh of relief.
Clearly, she was still worried about Allen getting bitten by that infamous cabbage.
Allen shook his head and replied calmly, "No, everything's fine. I'm here to stock up."
Meanwhile, at the Leaky Cauldron, Tom was already preparing to post a menu based on Allen's suggestions. At first, he'd thought Allen was exaggerating when he said the dishes would be expensive. But now, he realized it was part of Allen's plan to limit the crowd and maintain peace.
Allen didn't like being surrounded by people, but he also didn't mind them enjoying his food—as long as they paid for the privilege.
Back at the potion shop, Allen carefully selected a list of items: dried fire pepper, moon mushroom powder, and a few hard-to-find herbs. Though not cheap, they were critical to replicating flavors from his old world.
He bargained where he could and skipped anything not absolutely necessary.
As he left the store, Xuanzi let out another sharp caw, almost as if to ask, "What now?"
Allen looked at the bird and chuckled.
"We find food, of course."
With that, they began checking the rest of Diagon Alley for ingredients that could substitute for meats and spices Allen was familiar with.
Many shopkeepers had started to recognize him—not because of his fame, but because of the weird crow perched on his shoulder.
By noon, Allen had managed to buy a modest amount of ingredients. He was careful not to draw attention to himself, maintaining the effects of his Aura Concealment while mentally planning his next recipe.
That evening, the Leaky Cauldron was more crowded than usual. Word had spread that Allen might be offering dishes for sale. Everyone came early and waited in anticipation.
Tom put up a simple chalkboard sign:
"Limited Daily Specials – Chef Allen's Exclusive Dishes. 5 Galleons per serving."
Some grumbled at the price but stayed anyway. Others handed over their money without blinking.
That night's menu?
Roasted biting cabbage with spicy moon mushroom drizzle
Chickpea stew, reimagined with fire pepper oil
Tomato toast with a herbed butter glaze
Guests who managed to get a serving were stunned into silence. Some moaned with delight. One wizard cried actual tears.
Tom couldn't stop grinning behind the counter, feeling like the smartest man in the world.
Allen, meanwhile, finished his own plate upstairs in peace.
This will do, he thought. Just enough food, just enough money, and nobody to bother me.
Outside his window, the lamps of Diagon Alley flickered. Tomorrow would be another day of cautious spending and culinary magic.
But for now, Allen was full.
And satisfied.