A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World Chapter 2487

Chapter 2487: Since the Beginning of Ancient Times, Who Was There To Lead the Flow of Life? Where Did the World Come Into Being Before It Took Shape?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Upon returning to the dormitory, Mag immediately messaged Xi: "Everything proceeded smoothly."

He sent two photos as proof. In one, Norma was eating a rib with pure indulgence. In the other, Gardner was shown consuming the red wine and the rib together.

"What's your next step?" Xi’s reply came almost instantly.

"If Congressman Tamm’s kidnapping involves the McCarthy Family, Gardner is certainly the mastermind. Having earned Norma's trust, I can now get close to him. However, I require assistance to hack into the McCarthy bangles," Mag explained. His strategy was straightforward: he needed to make the discovery of evidence appear natural.

Though he already possessed the encrypted correspondence between Gardner and the McCarthy patriarch, he needed Xi and Ferdinand to believe his methods of gathering intel were logical so they wouldn't suspect outside help.

!!

After a brief silence, Xi messaged back: "At six a.m. tomorrow, a deciphering robot will be delivered to the third tree outside your dorm. It’s a standalone model. I’ll transmit the operation tutorial to your bangle so you can master it yourself."

"Alright." Mag exited the chat.

***

Inside a private room, Gardner looked at the grim man opposite him and said, "Big Brother, the Dixon Family is in deep trouble because of this mess. I suspect Ferdinand is pulling the strings. We must exercise caution."

Archie replied in a hushed tone, "Haha. The public consensus is that we are the ones responsible. Nancy brought that newcomer back; even if his history is clean, keep a sharp eye on him."

"I’ve met the boy. His talent in the kitchen is genuine, and he’s won Nancy’s favor. Besides, he’s too young to be one of Ferdinand's operatives," Gardner said, shaking his head as his gaze grew serious. "Still, regarding 'The Adjudicator', we must participate in the Dixon Family's hit. Whether he works for Ferdinand or not, he’s disrupted the order. We need to eliminate the threat in its cradle."

"Handle it as you see fit, but there's no rush. Plenty of people in the Dixon Family are itching for blood."

***

"How can a mutton rib be this heavenly? It’s simply too scrumptious…"

Norma lay sprawled on her sofa, sipping happy water and sighing with delight.

"Mr. Hades is the finest chef I’ve ever seen. He’s like a god," the little maid added, her eyes sparkling like stars.

"Since we’ve finished the grilled mutton ribs, we’ll move on to the handmade Explosive Beef Balls," Norma commanded, turning to her servant. "Inform the kitchen to reserve a live cow for me. I want those beef balls tomorrow."

"Understood!" The little maid nodded eagerly and hurried off to make the call.

***

Nancy massaged her temples, feeling a headache coming on after hearing Baussaint's report. "Norma is truly beyond help…"

It seemed Norma hadn't bullied Mag too much, having sent him back to his quarters after he prepared the charcoal-grilled mutton ribs for her.

Still, Nancy felt a twinge of irritation. Why was Norma getting first use of the man she had recruited?

Technically, Hades wasn't supposed to start until tomorrow. Forcing him to cook two meals today was pure exploitation.

"I’ll have to speak with her tomorrow and remind her exactly whose man he is," Nancy mused.

***

At dawn the next day, Mag retrieved the deciphering robot, which was cleverly disguised as a beetle, from beneath the tree.

Back in his room, he pried open the fingernail-sized beetle to find a tiny metal cube inside.

Entering the activation code Xi provided caused the silver cube to glow and pop open. A notification appeared on his bangle:

"7th Generation Nano Deciphering Robot: This unit is capable of infiltrating the deciphering bangle…"

The manual was exhaustive, but the actual operation was simple.

Being a standalone version, this nano robot was a single-use tool.

"System, break down the mechanics of this device and find a test bangle. Once we have the data template, our work at the McCarthy Manor is done." Mag squinted at the tiny device; even with his heightened senses, it was nearly undetectable.

"I’ve already pulled the raw data from their R&D labs. Give me the materials, and I can build a replica right now," the system replied lethargically.

"Perfect. Use the model to forge Gardner's intel then." Mag grinned. Having high-tech shortcuts made life much easier.

At 6:30 a.m., Mag’s first official workday began with a message from the head chef. The masters and mistresses had requested Explosive Beef Balls for breakfast, followed by charcoal-grilled mutton ribs and stir-fried pig's kidney for lunch.

"Good grief. This is worse than being a slave. They’re draining me on day one. Capitalists really do have hearts of stone," Mag grumbled to himself while donning his chef’s whites.

The McCarthy kitchen was a massive structure resembling a villa, divided into three levels by cooking style. The top floor handled baking, the second was the elite zone for special chefs, and the sprawling first floor housed the general staff.

Mag’s arrival caused an immediate stir.

He was currently a sensation—a true celebrity chef.

While the senior chefs, who were all champions in their own right, remained indifferent, the apprentices and female staff looked at him with adoration. Had the rules not been so strict, they would have swarmed him for autographs.

Mag never expected to be treated like a movie star in a kitchen.

He headed to the second floor where a private workstation and four assistants—two young men and two women—awaited him.

In the hierarchy of the manor, a special chef held immense prestige, second only to the head chef. There were only eight such positions in the entire estate.

"Mr. Hades." The four assistants bowed, the two women barely concealing their excitement.

The other special chefs were aging, greasy men who had spent decades over stoves.

In contrast, Hades was strikingly handsome, with smooth skin and a noble aura. He looked like royalty among commoners.

Mag briefly introduced himself. He didn't mind the help; a professional kitchen required teamwork to maintain efficiency.

Their faces were full of joy, making Mag wonder how they’d react if they knew he was leaving after today.

A delivery of fresh, non-refrigerated beef arrived, and Mag began the labor-intensive process of pounding the meat, quickly producing a massive batch.

Leaving the plating to the female assistants, he finished his shift early.

"Being an employee isn't half bad," he thought, strolling back to the dorms after a satisfying morning.

***

"Mr. Hades is incredible! He didn't stop once during those 26,000 strikes!"

"I tried to lift his iron rod earlier. It’s massive—I couldn't even budge it with one hand."

"He’s the only chef to ever get a perfect score in the Top Chef Competition for a reason. He’s the strongest chef alive!"

The assistants were left in awe, their respect for Mag reaching new heights.

The hundreds of McCarthy family members usually ate in their own quarters. That morning, the Explosive Beef Balls were the most sought-after dish on the menu.

"Ouch… it’s so hot!"

Norma had ordered two portions, sharing some with her maid. As the scalding, flavorful broth burst in her mouth, she teared up with joy. "But… it’s so delicious."

The dish was an instant hit, redefining breakfast for the entire clan.

***

For lunch, Mag prepared twenty servings each of the mutton ribs and stir-fried kidneys.

He was easily the most productive special chef on the floor, drawing jealous glares and snide remarks from the older masters.

Did Mag care? Not in the slightest.

He was already planning his exit.

He ignored the old men, stripped off his apron, and walked out of the kitchen with a relaxed stride.

While forty servings seemed like a lot to others, it was a light workload for the owner of Mamy Restaurant, who was used to feeding hundreds.

"Come to my villa when you're finished."

Mag’s bangle buzzed with a message from Norma as he stepped outside. An automated car was already waiting for him.

After confirming she meant her house and not her private bedroom, Mag climbed in.

Just as the car started, a second message arrived—this one from Nancy: "Are you free this afternoon? Let’s have tea at my place."

"Am I really this popular?" Mag pondered, attributing the attention to his undeniable charm.

"Apologies. I’m already in Norma’s car and the doors are locked," he sent back to Nancy.

When she didn't reply, he assumed she was fuming. He didn't mind; she wasn't his partner, so her temper was her own business.

The car pulled up to the villa, and the cat-eared maid greeted him again.

"Mr. Hades, this way please." She led him inside.

In the hall, Norma was drinking tea across from Gardner and a stunning, curvaceous woman.

The woman appeared to be in her early thirties, possessing flirty eyes like Norma but with a mature, lethal grace. Her figure was breathtaking, with a waist-to-hip ratio that could drive a man mad.

Her skin was flawlessly radiant. She glanced at Mag with a charming yet distant smile as he approached.

This was clearly Norma’s mother. It was a shame the daughter hadn't inherited her mother’s elegance.

Mag thought that if Gardner complimented his cooking again, he might just compliment his wife in return.

Remaining stoic, Mag—who had seen countless beauties—wasn't swayed. He gave her a brief look before stopping a respectful distance away.

The lady was surprised. Despite his youth, this man had the focus of a seasoned veteran, barely giving her a second look.

She didn't believe any man could resist her charms and resolved to test him later.

"You've arrived." Norma’s eyes brightened, though she checked Gardner’s reaction before whispering, "We’re having a small gathering. You’re in charge of the food."

"This is overtime. I should get a bonus," Mag thought, though he couldn't say it.

As an employee of the elite, he had to comply. These were the ultimate "privileged" class.

"Yes." Mag followed the maid toward the kitchen.

"He’s quite young," the beautiful lady remarked behind him.

But I’m talented, Mag thought. He quickly grilled the ribs, stir-fried the kidneys, and added two vegetable dishes to round out the meal.

Since the chef wasn't required to stay while they ate, Mag took a few photos, deployed the nano robot to scout the premises, and took the automated car back to his dorm.

"I’ve confirmed Gardner orchestrated Congressman Tamm’s kidnapping. He is being held at these coordinates. I’m leaving the McCarthy Manor now. Meet me at the rendezvous," Mag messaged Xi. He then walked straight to the manor gates.

Though security was tight, Mag presented a resignation form and walked out without issue.

Around a street corner, he boarded Xi’s cloaked flying car and sent Nancy a final message.

Dear Miss Nancy,

By the time you read this, I will be gone.

I am a soul who craves freedom, poetry, and distant lands.

You and the McCarthy Manor are wonderful, but this life doesn't suit me.

Until we meet again.

—Hades.

"Where to?" Xi asked.

"Here." Mag shared the coordinates.

The destination was Penck Town, located 1,800 kilometers northwest of Tucker City.

The car engaged its stealth systems and soared away.

"You… you’re a natural spy," Xi remarked seriously as they left the city limits.

The military had found nothing regarding Tamm’s disappearance. Yet Mag, in less than two days, had extracted the exact location from the heart of the McCarthy estate.

"Don't forget, I was a soldier before I was a chef," Mag replied calmly. "This is just standard professional conduct."

Xi nodded, accepting his explanation without doubt.

Meanwhile, Nancy was staring at her screen in disbelief.

"Young Mistress, Hades has vanished. He left his credentials and uniform in his room. Gate footage shows him walking out the front entrance," Baussaint reported, looking just as stunned.

"How dare he?!" was the singular thought in both their minds.

Nancy was panicking. Hades had offended the Dixon Family; they would kill him the moment he was unprotected.

She had gone to great lengths to bring him to the safety of the manor, yet he had simply walked away.

"It must be Norma. She pushed him too hard, and he couldn't stand the lifestyle of the elite," Nancy hissed, turning to Baussaint. "Find him. Keep this quiet for now. No one else can know he’s gone."

"Yes, Young Mistress." Baussaint hurried out, wondering why anyone would walk away from such a prestigious job after only one day.

Nancy tried to message Mag, but every attempt was met with a red exclamation mark.

"He blocked me?!" Her anger flared.

***

Mag hadn't actually blocked her; he had simply crushed the bangle.

The alias "Hades" had served its purpose. It was perfectly natural for a ghost to vanish.

Penck Town was a desolate industrial relic.

Five centuries ago, it thrived on "Black Gold" mining, but the resources dried up within a century. Now, only rusted machinery and crumbling factories remained among the dunes.

It was a ghost town.

Hovering 16 kilometers away, Mag looked at the ruins. "This is a hidden base for the Immortels. Gardner’s data says Tamm was brought here ten days ago. I just hope he’s still alive."

System intel confirmed Tamm was still on-site, though his condition was a mystery.

Xi surveyed the complex terrain. "We should call for backup. This place is a maze. If we trip an alarm, they might kill the congressman or escape through tunnels."

"No need. Extra people are just a liability. Same as always: you provide overwatch, and I’ll handle the rescue." Mag opened the door and jumped. A black heavy sword materialized beneath him, and he streaked toward the town at ground level, a dark blur against the sand.

"You…" Xi watched the flying sword vanish into the distance.