Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

’First, let’s put the spirit rice into water...’

’...’

’Now, cut the meat and vegetables...’

’...’

’Let’s infuse a bit of ice mana into it so anyone who eats it will feel like their effort has finally paid off after working in the sun for so long...’

’...’

’...’

Time passed, and Soren kept working while talking to himself inwardly. He became so engrossed in it that he even forgot about his surroundings, the competitors, the spectators, and so on.

[00:59]

”We have one minute left! Those who haven’t finished yet, hurry up! Or else you are gonna fail.”

Faris’s voice boomed across the arena.

[00:19]

[00:8]

”...Done.”

Soren took a step back from his station, looking at his masterpiece with a satisfied smile. It took him much longer than he initially planned, probably because he kept getting creative and making changes along the way, but it was definitely worth the effort.

Now, the only thing left was to wait for the judges’ decision.

’It was fun, though.’

It felt like he was discovering a new side of himself.

’I guess it’s the ’magic’ of working under pressure?’

He watched as his dish was carried to the judges’ table, alongside the other plates from his group. He also noticed some who failed to finish on time and took their leave, their heads hanging low. That was also when he realized how high the pressure was and how abnormal he was for not paying it any mind.

While he kept thinking about such things and cleaning his workspace, the judging period ended, and the results were announced.

Soren watched as the main screen flickered one after another, finally revealing his results.

[Soren Everly: Pass]

’...’ His lips curled up faintly as he turned in Ethea’s direction. ’I did it, dear.’

Then he turned back, finished cleaning up, and left the arena with the other competitors. There were few who tried to make conversation with him, and he replied accordingly before excusing himself and heading straight to Ethea’s side.

’I hope she didn’t get bored...’

───────

”Your Highness, was there anyone who caught your eye?”

Roya turned to her left with a smile. ”There are so many talented candidates that it would be unfair to name just one. Each of them has their own charm, and it has been a pleasure watching them cook. Though...” She paused, her gaze drifting back toward the stage. ”I do find myself drawn to those who remain calm under pressure. Especially that long-haired chef. She is doing it with such elegance, as if nothing affects her. Can you tell me about her, Lord Asad?”

”You certainly have a gift for recognizing talent, Your Highness.” Asad, the bald man sitting beside the princess, replied while stroking his mustache. ”She’s actually one of the special candidates.”

Roya raised her brow. ”You mean... she’s not from our empire?”

”That’s right.” Asad nodded, his expression becoming a bit serious. ”In fact, she’s not even from our world...”

”...I see.” Princess Roya immediately connected the dots. ’So she’s one of the people from the URF I heard about in the reports.’

”...Is she an elf then?” She asked after analyzing what she knew from them and watching her work. ”She looks really skilled at controlling mana after all.”

”You guessed it correctly. She’s indeed an elf.” Asad replied. ”In fact, we suspect she might have a high status.”

’...I hope they are being closely monitored then,’ Roya spoke telepathically this time. ’We can’t have any problems occur and need to ensure everything remains under control.’

’Rest assured, Your Highness,’ Asad replied. ’I have already dispatched the best team to handle the situation.’

”Then we should show them appropriate courtesy!” Princess Roya added out loud to continue the real conversation. ”We have to show them our empire’s hospitality at its finest.”

”Don’t worry about it, Your Highness,” Asad laughed. ”This old man here already took care of everything.”

Roya let out a soft laugh. ”I should have known. You have always been reliable, after all.”

”Your Highness, you’re flattering me too much.” Asad laughed again. ”Bagdad is my city, and the Temur Empire is my nation. I’m just doing what any citizen would do in my position.”

”Then I will leave the rest in your capable hands.” Roya nodded before turning her attention back to the stage. However, her mind was still occupied with lingering doubts. ’Hmm...’

’Saya.’

’What’s your order, my lady?’

’...Learn the situation, check every foreign participant and tourist, and report back everything tonight. I have a bad feeling about this.’

’Understood.’

’Good, but don’t alert anyone. If anything goes wrong, you know what to do.’

’Rest assured, my lady.’

’Mm...’

With that, Roya finally felt at ease. While City Lord Asad was truly reliable and experienced, she still felt it was necessary to be extra cautious. It was ten times better than being caught off guard when an unexpected problem arises.

’I just hope my intuition is wrong.’

However, deep down, she knew how terrifying her intuition was. After all, it helped her survive many incidents to this day.

’Perhaps this is exactly why Father sent me here...’

She recalled what he had told her before she set off. While he hadn’t mentioned anything notable, he told her to be safe and...

’Watch out for ’variables’...’

She didn’t know what ’variables’ he talked about, but perhaps this was his way of telling her to expect the unexpected.

’Hmm...’

She let her gaze wander, searching for such ’variables’, but nothing caught her eye or intuition. However, she wouldn’t let her guard down, at least until the competition and the festival came to an end.

’And till the special guests take their leave...’

Her eyes paused at the long, green-haired young woman.

’...Now that I think about it, there were two other candidates who caught my attention earlier. The first one was Grandmaster Tamimi’s apprentice, Sir Damir. However, I already know him well, and he was born in the empire and has shown his loyalty enough times, protecting our honor in international competitions. And the other...’

She recalled the young man who kept glancing at one of the private watching rooms. He kept doing it occasionally even when he was deeply engrossed in cooking.

’He didn’t look like anything special, but... Why did he do it?’

’...I should investigate it. Just in case.’