When I returned from the market with Chimera riding my shoulders, she suddenly jumped down and landed in front of the others with an enthusiastic clap. "I have a brilliant idea!" she beamed, her green hair bouncing with excitement. "Let's do a Master's Meal Showdown! Everyone makes something for Master to eat, and whoever makes him melt with happiness wins!"
Ziz immediately smirked, arms crossed beneath her generous chest. "Finally, a competition I can win with my mouth."
Behemoth raised an eyebrow. "Your cooking mouth, I hope."
Leviathan blinked nervously, clutching a cookbook to her chest. "A-Are we really doing this…? I-I mean, I'd love to try, but…"
Bahamut chuckled from the corner, already scribbling symbols into a floating parchment. "A chance to enchant a dish with divine resonance? I suppose I could entertain such a challenge."
Saphielle merely walked past them all with a smirk, whispering as she passed me, "I don't need to cook when I already know how to satisfy your taste buds."
I swallowed hard. I could already tell this was going to spiral into chaos.
We set up the outdoor kitchen under the shade of the old tree beside our estate. A long table was placed at the center of the garden, with an elegant white tablecloth and floating light orbs dancing around, courtesy of Bahamut's conjuration magic. Chimera had taken it upon herself to play announcer, wearing an apron and nothing else underneath—at least judging by the way it flapped open dangerously every time she spun.
"Contestants!" Chimera shouted. "Present your dishes to our adorable, slightly perverted, but very hungry Master! Leviathan, you're up first!"
Leviathan stepped forward holding a silver tray, trembling with every step. Her cheeks were crimson, and her hands shook so badly I worried the plate might crash to the ground. "I… I made… um… c-caramel-glazed sea-crystal shrimp with a truffle cream reduction," she stammered, setting it gently in front of me. "I-I read about it in a gourmet cookbook…"
The scent was divine—sweet and salty, with a hint of magic-infused herbs. I took a bite. The shrimp melted on my tongue, buttery and smooth, while the truffle cream exploded in flavor across my taste buds.
Leviathan leaned forward eagerly. "D-Do you like it…?"
"It's incredible," I said with a sincere smile. "You really went all out."
She clasped her hands in front of her chest, visibly vibrating with joy. "Yay! I'm so glad…!"
"Round two! Ziz!" Chimera shouted.
Ziz sauntered up confidently, her long legs on full display beneath her side-slit skirt. Her tray was practically steaming with energy. "Feast your senses on Dragonfire Curry!" she declared, placing the dish down in front of me. "It's got kick, it's got soul, and it'll set your mouth on fire—in a good way."
I took a cautious bite. My tongue instantly ignited in spice. I coughed, sweat beading down my forehead, but strangely… I liked it. The explosion of flavors danced wildly across my palate.
Ziz leaned over the table, resting her chin in her hand. "You're turning red, Master~ Think you can handle me and my food?"
I quickly drank a glass of cold water and gave her a shaky thumbs-up. "It's… intense, but really good."
Ziz chuckled and leaned closer to lick some curry from my cheek. "Good boys get seconds later."
Chimera spun again. "And now, the beast queen of protein! Behemoth!"
Behemoth placed her tray down without fanfare—a massive platter of roasted meats, seasoned vegetables, and baked root bread. "I made a hunter's feast," she said simply. "Food meant to nourish a body that fights and protects. Meant for… you."
I dug in. The flavor was rich, smoky, and primal. Each bite filled my belly with warmth and energy, and I could feel the love and care in every portion.
Behemoth didn't say much as I ate, but she sat beside me, silently cutting more meat and placing it on my plate. When I looked at her, she just said, "Eat your fill, Master."
That filled me with something heavier than food—something warm in my chest.
Chimera clapped. "Next up, magic on a plate! Bahamut!"
Bahamut didn't walk so much as glide, her gown catching wind from an invisible breeze. She presented a plate of glowing starfruit slices, golden herb dumplings, and rainbow broth. "This dish is designed to elevate your spiritual flow and rejuvenate your soul," she explained. "But don't eat it too fast. It may make you… dizzy."
I took a bite. My vision sparkled. Literally. For a moment, I could see floating runes and divine sigils as my taste buds lit up with a burst of divine sweetness.
"I… think I'm high," I mumbled.
Bahamut giggled and leaned close. "That's just enlightenment, sweet boy."
By now, I was stuffed. My stomach was full, my senses overwhelmed—and my pants suspiciously tight. But Chimera declared, "AND FINALLY… Saphielle!"
Saphielle didn't bring a tray.
Instead, she walked straight to my chair, pulled me gently forward, and lifted a shimmering strawberry from her fingers to her lips. She bit half of it and leaned in. "Eat," she whispered.
I opened my mouth and met hers halfway, tasting the fruit—and her tongue. Sweet, juicy, and shameless.
She pulled back with a soft pop and a trail of juice down her chin. "No dish. Just me."
The girls exploded.
"CHEATING!" Ziz barked.
"S-So bold!" Leviathan squeaked.
"That wasn't even food!" Bahamut snapped.
"...Can't argue with the effect," Behemoth muttered.
I slumped back in my chair, dazed, dizzy, and completely overwhelmed. All five girls were now pressed around me, demanding I choose.
"I… I think I'm gonna pass out," I mumbled.
Chimera grinned. "That means everyone wins!"
And then they all kissed my cheeks at once.
I didn't even get to finish dessert. But honestly? I didn't need to.