Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 310: The Two Versions

"Of course, sir." He raised one of the bells, letting a thick aroma of sautéed vegetables. "This comes straight from our territory’s fields across the river: rare plants that smoothen blood flow and skin. Ladies and gentlemen alike enjoy it so much that the prices soared."

He chuckled and raised the next bell, letting the savorous scent of grilled meat and melted fat fill his nostrils. "This comes straight from Litia’s barn! It’s the tenderloin of a tier-two cow, sir!"

Noticing Adam leaning forward, he clapped his hands.

"Of course, everyone knows about our angel Litia and her top-quality products. But I personally look up to Lilia, her older sister. I wish she selected me in her cooking team and allowed me to serve the king in his palace."

Adam nodded. It was true he had appointed her as the palace manager before his banishment, and he was glad the three sisters made a name for themselves.

However, the man followed up with a surprising question.

"You’re a high-ranking demon, right sir?" He leaned closer, placing the plates on the table to hide his whisper.

"Do you have any news about the king? I heard so many versions that I don’t know who to believe."

Adam rolled his eyes. He had become a king while away. How? Still, he picked up his wooden fork and played along.

"What version? Perhaps one of them is correct."

The man tucked his fingers around his chin. "The most popular one says the king lost an eye when he unified the realm and has been suffering from a light magic curse ever since." His tone darkened as he whispered in Adam’s ear. "The second most popular one is much somber but finds sources in reliable people. According to it, high-ranking officials betrayed and banished him."

How were both versions half accurate and half wrong at the same time? Adam muffled a laugh and winked.

"Which one do you think is true?"

The chef pulled back and scratched his head. "As an old citizen, I have seen the king’s proud generals tour the city and help the citizens in person. I even saw the king sit on a log before the demonic altar and share free food with everyone. All this is to say that he cares about his citizens, or he wouldn’t have provided a free home to everyone and kept the taxes at zero percent. So..."

His lips twisted, letting a sad silence linger before his voice cracked. "I think the first version is incomplete. The generals deserted because he died in his palace nine years ago. Gilgamesh most likely hides it to avoid general chaos."

Mimir exploded with laughter. "Brother, it’s the first time I’ve seen someone curse another with such deep emotions and praises."

"..."

Adam clicked his tongue, words refusing to come out for a second.

"He’s not dead. That’s all I’ll say, but... you might see him soon."

The chef struck his chest and bowed. "Thank you for resolving this plaguing doubt of mine, sir. Please, enjoy your meal before it grows cold." He pushed the tray and roared. "Louis, you sloth! Do you want our dear sir to die of thirst? Bring his drinks!"

Louis dashed out, foam trailing down two extra large pints of fresh beer. "They’re distilled by Marc’s son using the finest wheat. Enjoy your meal, sir."

Adam watched Louis and the chef skip inside the restaurant with a smile before he focused on his vegetables.

His mouth watered when he stuck his fork in, the scent of pepper, salt, and garlic making his mistreated stomach sob in desire.

He closed his eyes, thrusting steamy mushrooms, carrots, green beans, caramelised onions, and cabbage into his mouth.

A soft smile curved his lips as he chewed slowly, almost crying as the savorous blend filled his mouth.

He cut a tender piece of beef next, the juices sparkling like precious materials. Without waiting a second, he bit on it. His knuckles whitened around the fork, the texture sending his mind back to Earth when he had tried Wagyu beef out of curiosity. No, this was much better—a balm to his abused stomach, soothing and unforgettable.

"Mimir." He started, his tone serious. "Let’s get a few tons of this meat before leaving."

Mimir smiled at him. "Sometimes simple things are what we yearn for most. I’m glad you’re enjoying the meal, brother. But a few tons... It won’t last you a week."

Adam’s fork clanged on the plate as if confirming Mimir’s words. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

"You didn’t notice because we were in Jotunheim, but... You ate three entire giant wolves per day. That alone was around four tons already."

Adam paled. He had never paid attention and just ate when hungry. But it was too logical, considering the energy needed to move his one thousand tons true form.

Grumbling in annoyance, he gripped his pints and down the beers. Then, he pushed himself off his seat and walked to the college west.

"We need a solution, or I’ll either starve or devour everything." He kicked rocks and twigs on the way.

"You can do like Surtr. I think he developed a technique to fuel his body with Muspelheim’s heat. Most have something like that, even Tiamat."

Relieved by Mimir’s answer, he nodded and scrunched his nose as he reached the fish market by the river. The salty stench of fish resting on ice cube beds, the eager voices of merchants yelling they had the best fish at the fairer prices, and the smiling citizens leaning over them made him smile.

Passing through the stands, he watched the port river, the broad ships, filled with goods, sailing to his other cities, and a smaller ferry connecting the two river sides.

With a chuckle, he leapt across the old way and walked on a paved road separating large fields, swaying with the wind in golds and greens.

Fruit trees, growing vegetables, and grazing farm beasts made him nod in approval. The city self-sustained itself on all metrics exactly as he had wanted.

"I’m somewhat reassured. They followed what I had in mind and didn’t need me after I laid the groundwork."

"You’re wrong." Mimir shook his head. "Your vision is too perfect, and soon cockroaches will try to stain it. You can have trusted supervisors, but they’d never replace a legitimate king."

"Why? Gilgamesh is an experienced king."

Mimir sighed. "He is, but he would have never built this place like you. Most of his subjects had decent lives compared to other kingdoms in his era, but compared to the priests, scribes, and nobles? They were no better than slaves."

A pensive frown creased Adam’s brow. If any mythical figures had built the city, he did not doubt that most citizens would have ended up illiterate and content with a field to cultivate. They could forget about the academy, technological research, and zero percent tax, too.

"I get what you mean. He can rule for me, but I need to stand behind him, ready to slap the back of his head if he deviates."

Mimir chuckled. "Exactly. Don’t belittle your importance. Things would work out more or less without you, but nothing would be the same. And the citizens—the same ones who love you, like that chef—would notice it first in their loss of economic power."