"Here we go!"
Half an hour later, Luo En, busy in the kitchen, brought out a tray and placed several steaming bowls in front of the long-waited diners.
As soon as they were served, the golden yellow thick soup made from big bones spread a rich aroma; several juicy pieces of sauce-marinated beef on top made it hard to resist the surge in appetite; thin radish slices and a few pieces of tender green leafy vegetables floated up and down, serving to cut through the richness; chopped parsley instead of chopped green onions was sprinkled on top to further release the fragrance; and the crystal-clear noodles swirled in the bowl like ribbons, soaking up the thick beefy broth...
The all-around stimulation of color and aroma made the waiting diners full of anticipation, eager to fork out a mouthful of noodles. The chewiness of the noodles intertwined with the savory soup in their mouths, making it almost impossible to stop.
Little Medusa and Hestia, who had already experienced this novelty, were alright, but Athena and Nike, tasting this new type of delicacy for the first time, couldn't help but be dazzled, their taste buds conquered by it.
The dining fork in their hands that almost never stopped was the best proof.
Soon, the two bowls of flavorful beef noodles were polished off by the deities.
As the great-niece put down her fork and sat up straight, Hestia eagerly came over to ask for their impressions.
"How was it? Not bad, right?"
"It was okay..."
Athena gave a lukewarm evaluation, then slightly turned her head, her gaze falling on someone behind her.
Luo En, who had evolved into an astute individual, noticed the Goddess of Wisdom's subtle expression and immediately got the message, diligently clearing away the bowls with a gleefully obsequious smile on his face.
"It must be that the sample wasn't enough. I'll go get another bowl for you to savor, and later, I'll need your help with more detailed feedback for improvement."
"Mm."
With such an out, Athena nodded gracefully, her elegance intact, but the glimmer of praise and satisfaction in her eyes was unmistakable.
"I want another too!"
Nike next to her also handed over her emptied bowl, her face showing her longing for more.
"There's plenty for everyone!"
Luo En hastened to assure her, turning back to the kitchen to fill up two full bowls for the powerful deities, and also topped off the nearly empty bowls of Hestia and Little Medusa with more broth and noodles.
The situation demanded equal treatment for all.
At least, on the surface, it needed to be flawless, so as not to invite criticism.
Not to speak of the Goddess of the Hearth, who was in charge of domestic affairs, even Athena herself couldn't help but be a little tempted.
"Honestly speaking, I'm starting to have some regrets now. If I'd known, I should have brought you to Olympus ahead of time..."
The Goddess of Wisdom set down the empty bowl, her gaze lingering on the demigod she had personally groomed.
Hestia, who was beside her, aggressively marketing, suddenly stiffened her smile, becoming anxious.
"Compared to Olympus, Knossos City seems to be more fitting as your private territory, right? Now, am I not serving in your chamber?"
Facing Athena's scrutiny, Luo En flashed a composed smile.
"You are welcome anytime you wish to come."
"Indeed."
Athena nodded, seemingly quite satisfied with the response.
Seeing her great-niece apparently giving up on pursuing the matter further, Hestia breathed a sigh of relief.
After eating her fill, Athena stood up from her seat, lazily stretching her body, and turned to look at Luo En, who was helping Hestia with the housework, her brow lifted, her face breaking into a subtle smile.
"After the meal, how about... a little practice?"
"It's not advisable to engage in strenuous activities after a full meal!"
Upon hearing this, Luo En immediately refused, with an expression that said, "I am considering your well-being," while the alarm for danger in his mind was frantically ringing.
Fight you? You must be joking!
Seeing that mischievous look on your face, it's clear you've dug a pit and are waiting for me to jump in, so you can beat me up under a legit pretext.
Last time, just for sneaking a few pieces of your offerings and gossiping about you behind your back, you made me lie on the ground for seven or eight days, and my butt still hurts.
You dare say your invitation to spar with me this time isn't because you were turned down and felt humiliated, seeking vindictive retribution?
Ha, I've seen right through you, a petty-hearted woman!
Luo En couldn't help but grumble to himself as he recalled the rose thorns that had pierced his butt that night.
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