After waiting a little longer, the server finally came over carrying two dishes.
"Enjoy."
After setting them down respectfully, the server turned and left.
Looking at the steaming food on the table, and after listening to the couple next door praise it for so long, Luke couldn't help feeling curious.
He examined it closely.
South Sea Flame-Claw Crab—just from the name, it was a type of crab that lived in the southern seas of Demacia. They usually weighed around three to eight jin, and once cooked, flame-like patterns would appear on the shell.
That information flashed through Luke's mind. Before serving, the restaurant had already finished the messy part and taken it apart.
The central shell was used like a platter, with everything edible arranged neatly on top. It actually looked pretty nice.
The first thing he saw was a layer of white crab roe—smooth, almost like steamed egg custard. It was rich with protein and nutrients. Luke picked up a spoon, scooped a mouthful, blew on it, and tasted it.
It melted the instant it hit his tongue—no fishiness, no greasiness, just a faint milky aroma.
Luke didn't say anything. After finishing the roe, he moved on to the orange crab fat and then the leg meat.
The crab fat was soft and creamy, and together with the leg meat it carried a strong crab fragrance—along with a natural kick of heat.
It wasn't especially spicy. More like a built-in seasoning that boosted the crab's flavor.
That was what made South Sea Flame-Claw Crab famous: tender meat with a naturally fresh, fragrant heat. You didn't even need any dipping sauce.
It really was delicious… but Luke felt something was slightly off.
He set down the spoon and tools, then shifted his gaze to the Three-Color Beef Steak beside it.
He hadn't specified doneness, so the default was well-done. He'd already smelled the rich meat aroma while eating the crab.
The steak was sprinkled with seasoning. The light char on the surface, the hints of red in the meat, and the pale sheen of juices—those three colors were where the dish got its name.
Luke picked up his knife and fork, cut off a piece, and ate it.
The flavor was deep, and even well-done the meat was still remarkably tender. The beefy tang had been handled well. He chewed twice and swallowed.
It was satisfying, but not as mind-blowing as he'd imagined.
If he made it himself, he could improve it by at least fifty percent.
A strange thought popped into Luke's head, and he immediately shook it off.
I'm a prince. Since when do I cook?
Why am I even thinking about that?
Then he focused on finishing the second portion.
Ever since using the realm card, his appetite had noticeably increased. Two portions of food was just enough to meet his needs.
When he finished, Luke raised a hand to signal the server for the bill.
"Sir, your total comes to ten gold coins," the server said politely. "If you'd like to top up for a membership, you'll receive a twenty percent discount."
"Ten gold? Not much."
It was a lot, actually.
If Luke from two days ago had walked into this place, he would've called it highway robbery.
But now, he felt it was worth it.
He reached into his pocket—only to grab a fistful of air.
Luke froze.
He'd forgotten he didn't bring money when he came out.
Or rather… he'd already spent everything he had, and it hadn't even occurred to him.
"Sir?" The server noticed Luke's odd expression and immediately became wary.
The odds of someone trying to dine and dash here were low… but not zero.
"Can you give me a few minutes?" Luke stood up, trying to think.
His first instinct was to reveal his identity, but he quickly rejected it. If he did that, the staff would probably just assume he was insane.
Who would believe someone who couldn't pay for a meal?
"What are you going to do?" The server's eyes sharpened with suspicion.
"How about this," Luke suggested, face serious. "Come with me. I'll go get the money."
"Trust me. I'm not trying to skip the bill."
After staring at Luke for a few seconds, the server ultimately decided to trust his face.
If someone that handsome was out here eating for free, then what hope did a normal guy have?
"Fine," the server said. "You go first."
Luke turned and headed outside.
He pushed open the door. The street outside was full of people coming and going. He scratched his head, scanned a few spots, and then suddenly walked toward one direction.
He stopped in front of a fruit stand and said toward the inside, "I didn't bring any money. Give me some."
The fruit vendor blinked.
"???"
What does that have to do with me?
You didn't bring money—why is that my problem?
What, are you trying to rob me?
Suddenly, a white figure flipped out from behind the fruit stand. The vendor nearly jumped out of his skin.
What the hell—since when was someone hiding back there?!
The white-clad bodyguard looked at Luke in surprise and bowed. "How much does Your Highness need?"
His emotions were… complicated.
He was personally trained by the Seneschal of Demacia, Xin Zhao, and he possessed a number of professional skills.
One of them was concealing his position.
Hiding somewhere that kept the target protected, wouldn't be noticed, but still allowed him to arrive instantly if something happened.
But he never would've imagined his hiding spot would be discovered.
Had he been exposed while following Luke just now?
For a moment, the bodyguard honestly started doubting himself.
"Ten gold," Luke said.
The bodyguard immediately took out a pouch, counted out several gold coins, then handed Luke the coins. "Your Highness, ten gold."
"Thanks. I'll pay you back later," Luke said, accepting the money with a grateful glance.
Then he handed the ten gold to the server, who was standing behind him with a face full of question marks.
The server took the coins, looked like he'd just seen a ghost, and hurried away.
Your Highness? Prince?
What is this?
Are you two roleplaying right here in the street?
Once the server was gone, the bodyguard said, "Your Highness, you don't need to repay it. But I have a question."
Luke turned his head. "Go on."
"Can you tell me how you discovered me?" the bodyguard asked.
If he didn't get an answer today, he wasn't sleeping tonight.
"Oh, that." Luke laughed. "Don't overthink it. My instincts are just sharper than most people's. I felt like someone was here, so I came over and asked as a test."
He really couldn't tell the bodyguard was hidden there.
But if he could sense someone nearby, that was enough.
If nobody responded, he'd just try another spot.
"…Understood." The bodyguard fell silent for a second, then flipped away and vanished from Luke's sight.
He hadn't expected that answer.
So it was just a random guess?
Huh. That answer was… acceptable.
If you rely on luck, you'll hit once eventually.
The bodyguard steadied his mindset.
Luke turned and left as well, leaving behind a fruit vendor with a face full of confusion.
Fine, roleplay if you want.
But you stood here acting out a whole scene at my stall—and you're leaving without buying a single piece of fruit?