A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World Chapter 2485

Norma stood there, paralyzed by shock. Her hand remained suspended near Mag's chest, as she had completely forgotten to pull it back.

"Is there a problem?" Mag questioned, his voice echoing with a cold indifference.

As if she had touched a live wire, Norma jerked her hand away. She scrambled to shield her face with her palms, though her wide eyes were still visible through the gaps between her fingers. "W-why are you walking around without clothes?!" she stammered, her voice thick with panic.

"I was preparing to shower when the bell rang. I assumed it was Butler Baussaint," Mag replied in a matter-of-fact tone. He added calmly, "Furthermore, I am wearing clothes."

Norma’s eyes drifted downward. He was indeed dressed, but his shirt hung wide open, exposing a firm chest and a defined eight-pack. The lines of his physique were so sharp they looked as if they had been sculpted by a blade; the visual impact was undeniable.

!!

Unlike those superficial young men who chased nothing but sheer bulk, Hades’ musculature wasn't exaggerated. His build was lean and restrained, yet it radiated an underlying sense of power. He appeared slender while dressed, but revealed a hidden strength once the clothes were removed.

Because he had always seemed somewhat delicate, Norma was caught off guard by Mag's impressive physical condition.

Reflecting on it, however, the signs had been there during the show. How could a man who swung two heavy metal rods—weighing tens of kilograms—over 20,000 times be anything less than fit?

As he began fastening his buttons, Mag asked, "Have you stared long enough?"

Norma found herself swallowing hard. Instantly, she flared up like a threatened lioness to hide her embarrassment. "According to the McCarthy Manor employee handbook, all staff must be decently dressed while on the grounds! You’ve managed to violate the rules on your very first day!"

"The dormitory is a private residence for employees and falls outside the jurisdiction of the dress code. That is clearly stated in the handbook," Mag countered with a slight smirk, completely unfazed. "Do you remain in your full uniform while in your own bedroom?"

"Who made that rule? I—I’ll have the handbook revised this instant!" Norma’s bravado wavered. In truth, she hadn't actually read the regulations; she only had a vague memory of that specific rule and had hoped to intimidate Hades on his first day.

"Do as you wish. I'm taking my shower now. Please see yourself out." Mag maintained his icy distance as he moved to shut the door.

Norma felt a sting of humiliation. No man had ever dared to dismiss her so repeatedly. To make matters worse, he was merely a chef and an employee.

"I’m hungry," Norma commanded. "Aren't you the special chef? I want you to prepare lunch for me!"

"My contract doesn't officially commence until tomorrow, so I have no obligation to serve you today." Mag shook his head. Just as Norma looked ready to explode, he continued, "However, I’m about to fix something for myself. I can make an extra portion for you."

"An extra portion?" Norma’s brow furrowed. No servant had ever treated her with such casual indifference before. It was... a very strange feeling.

"Hmph, fine. I’ll be waiting in the dining room!" Norma turned, ready to depart.

"I won't be using the main kitchen. I'm just making something quick here in the dorm. If you want to eat, come inside." Mag turned his back and walked into his quarters.

"Eat in the servant's quarters?" Norma was stunned. She stared at the open doorway, hesitating for a moment before gritting her teeth and stepping inside.

What was there to fear? This was her family's manor. Would that man actually dare to try anything?

This marked Norma’s first time entering an employee's room. Her immediate thought was how cramped it felt. Every living necessity was squeezed into a single, small area. The sofa was only big enough for one person, and the kitchen was barely wide enough to stand in. It was incredibly tiny.

Mag started the rice in the cooker first. He then gathered his things and headed toward the bathroom, saying casually, "Have a seat. I’ll shower before I begin the cooking."

Norma watched him with her jaw dropped as the bathroom door closed. The man had actually left her sitting there alone while he went to bathe!

The sound of splashing water soon drifted through the frosted glass door. The intimate atmosphere made Norma’s face flush, leaving her feeling restless and out of place.

She was actually waiting for a man to shower so he could cook for her. This was a first for her.

Regret suddenly washed over her. She shouldn't have come in; it felt as though she had walked right into a trap he had set.

Yet, she refused to leave now. Wouldn't retreating make it look like she was intimidated?

A hazy silhouette was visible through the blurred glass. Recalling what she had seen at the door earlier, Norma couldn't stop her imagination from wondering how the water was trailing down his firm chest and abs, and then further down...

Click.

The bathroom door swung open. Mag emerged, now wearing a fresh shirt with a towel draped around his neck. He was drying his damp hair when he noticed Norma’s deep blush.

The scent of soap lingered in the air, creating a somewhat provocative mood.

Norma, who had been staring directly at the door, jumped in surprise. She quickly averted her eyes, stammering, "I—I wasn't looking... I was just lost in thought."

Then why is your face so red?

Mag paid her no mind. He dropped his towel and used clothes into the washer and walked straight to the kitchenette.

To be precise, it was more of a compact, one-person cooking station than a full kitchen. The single burner, prep space, and sink were all miniature, designed for simple meals.

Mag tied on an apron and pulled a few items from the refrigerator: beef, eggs, scallions, garlic, and tomatoes. They looked fresh, likely stocked earlier that morning. They weren't luxury ingredients, but they were sufficient.

The freshly cooked rice was firm and individual—perfect for frying.

Mag began prepping the ingredients and started the stove.

Norma’s face was still burning. She sat on the small sofa, pretending to browse the internet on her bangle, but her eyes kept darting toward Mag.

He stood tall, his profile sharp and well-defined. His lips seemed naturally curved, giving him an expression that was simultaneously friendly and mocking.

Most of the chefs at McCarthy Manor were middle-aged or elderly men. They were seasoned professionals, but none of them possessed Mag's youthful good looks.

"Hmph! No matter what he cooks, I won't eat a single bite! I'll show him how cruel the real world can be!" Norma thought to herself, already rehearsing her insults.

Mag diced the beef and seared it with spices in the wok. After setting the meat aside, he fried the eggs and rice, slowly incorporating them. He tossed the beef back in for a final stir-fry and finished the dish with a generous handful of chopped green onions before plating it.

Next, he quickly prepared a pot of tomato and egg soup.

Two plates of beef and egg fried rice and two bowls of soup were placed on the small table. A simple lunch was served.

"Time to eat," Mag said, gesturing for Norma to join him.

"Is this the lunch you made for me? It's so basic... Gulp." Norma approached the table with a look of disdain. However, before she could finish her sentence, a powerful, savory aroma hit her. She involuntarily swallowed, her critique cut short.

"It smells incredible..."

Norma stared at the plate of fried rice in front of her, her eyes filled with pure disbelief.