Gourmet Gaming

Chapter 839

The Beyond the Heavens Empire was now given the time to restore the things that had been destroyed during the war. As for Minhyuk, he decided to take a day off.

He had done quite a lot of things within a short period of time, from meeting the God of Death, to lifting the seal of the Sword of Aeon, then saving the dying Obren, and leading Edea to victory, before finally leading his Beyond the Heavens Empire to victory in the war against the Luvien Empire. It was obvious that Minhyuk was in desperate need of a break.

While Minhyuk was fast asleep, the others once again realized the greatness and majesty of the first empire in Athenae.

Oh Changwook, Minhyuk’s health trainer, saw a huge crowd of over 200 reporters, as well as countless fans outside their home.

Click, click, click, click, click, click, click—

“Where is Mr. Minhyuk, Athenae’s first emperor, currently staying at?”

“The people of South Korea are going nuts!”

“In this globally acclaimed game, Athenae, one of our very own citizens, became the first emperor. Many of our fellow citizens are proud of Mr. Minhyuk, and want to hear his thoughts about this.”

However, what was more surprising was that there were also quite a lot of reporters from other countries mixed in with the Korean reporters in the crowd. These reporters looked like they had headed straight for this place after their plane landed, without even spending the time to wash up.

“Minhyuk is resting right now. Please come back another time.”

Although Changwook spoke those words, he knew that none of them would go back easily. Knowing that Minhyuk was not available at the moment, the reporters turned their attention to the people that lived around Minhyuk’s place and interviewed them instead.

“How does the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor Minhyuk usually act?”

“Goodness. You don’t even have to ask. He’s a very nice boy. He always greets me politely whenever we see each other~”

“He’s different from the kids these days. He’s very humble and approachable.”

Minhyuk had deliberately bought a lot in a retirement community and built his mansion there. Because of that, the majority of his neighbors were elderly. Most of the elderly in the community were not even aware that Minhyuk was a famous player in the game called Athenae, nor were they aware that he had become the first emperor in the game.

“Beyond the Heavens Empire? Athenae? I don’t know about that. All I know is that I want him to be my son-in-law~ There aren’t that many kids these days that are humble and approachable like him.”

Rather than get frustrated, the reporters were very happy to hear these things.

“Reporter Kim, let’s publish this interview as it is and use the title Warm Young Man, Minhyuk for the article.”

“Warm Young Man, Minhyuk?”

“The elderly here do not know what kind of player Minhyuk is. However, Minhyuk had always greeted them and treated them politely. In other words, his behavior is not just some pretense. Some celebrities act differently on screen and off screen. But Minhyuk has always treated everyone kindly and politely.”

“Ah...!”

Minhyuk was still in the middle of sleep. However, several articles praising him had started to pour in.

At the same time at Ilhwa Group.

“Our stock price hit an all-time high a few days ago and is still continuously rising.”

Minhyuk’s father, Chairman Kang Minhoo, was very surprised to hear this. “By any chance... did it all start when my son, Minhyuk, became the emperor of the Beyond the Heavens Empire?”

“Yes, that’s right. The players of Athenae from all over the world are feeling grateful to Minhyuk after he gained victory against the Luvien Empire. Because of that, people from all over the world started to buy items produced by Ilhwa Group.”

“Ho.”

Chairman Kang Minhoo was very proud of his son. Even he, the chairman, could not raise the company’s stock prices like this. However, Minhyuk could easily do so through his own worth and value.

Then, at that moment, Secretary Park Munsoo approached Chairman Kang Minhoo and whispered in his ears, “Roiple has proposed a collaboration with us for a project.”

“What...? Weren’t they the ones that did not even look at the proposal that we sent them two years ago?”

“I asked the reason why when they called me on the phone earlier. The representative said that he’s a big fan of your son, sir.”

“...”

Chairman Kang Minhoo was truly proud and touched. This was no different from Minhyuk stepping forward and signing a contract that was worth hundreds of billions of won.

Then, it started. Chairman Kang Minhoo’s bragging about his son!

“You know, my dear son Minhyuk is...”

‘It’s this story again.’

‘He’s going to say that a child of only three months old went and called him ‘Daddy’.’

‘No. There’s no way that a three-month old child can speak, right?!’

Then, Chairman Kang Minhoo said, “He called me ‘Daddy’ fifteen days after he was born. Hohohohohoho! My son, Minhyuk, has been a genius since he was born!”

“...!”

“...!”

“...!”

The board members were all flabbergasted. There was absolutely no way that a fifteen-day-old baby could say Daddy, right? Was this son-con final boss of a man brainwashed or something?!

“Ha— Hahahaha. That’s— That’s really amazing.”

“I can’t believe he said Daddy fifteen days after he was born. Minhyuk must have been truly a genius since he was born!”

“Hohohoho! That’s right. Right!”

This was the reality that salarymen had to face every single day.

***

Three days. Three days was not enough time to overcome the sadness brought forth by the war.

However, they were also able to restore quite a few things that had been ravaged and destroyed during the war in these three days. Although they were able to sort out the most urgent matters, they would still take at least two more weeks before things could return to normal.

At this time, Minhyuk decided to provide a meal for the people of the Beyond the Heavens Empire, which was none other than samgyeopsal. Minhyuk had given an order to give players and NPCs alike 400 grams of samgyeopsal per person. Although he only gave 400 grams of samgyeopsal each, it still cost a huge amount of money. It was a portion for each and every single one after all.

Because of that, Haze began to protest. “Your Majesty, I understand what you’re feeling. However, the situation of our Beyond the Heavens Empire is currently not that good.”

Haze was relieved when she learnt that Minhyuk became the Battle God’s Descendant and that three million of the Battle God’s Divine Army would protect the Beyond the Heavens Empire for a week. This meant that the Luvien Empire and the other empires would not dare to attack the Beyond the Heavens Empire during this week.

However, they still had to prepare for the future. They had to save as much funds as they could in order to buy weapons and potions. The funds saved could also be used to increase the number of migrants or bring in mercenaries to their side. But instead of doing that, they were having a meat party?

“Haze, I won’t give way on this. All of us are trying to live and survive. It’s always better to worry when you’re full.”

“...”

Haze sighed. She already knew that she would not be able to change Minhyuk’s decision.

Minhyuk was sitting on the walls of the castle. From where he was, he could see some of his people and his soldiers that had already sat down and began to eat.

“If there are people that don’t have enough, make sure to give them some extra.”

“...Yes, Your Majesty.” Haze shook her head, her steps weak and faltering.

However, Minhyuk thought differently.

‘What has a greater impact than me establishing an empire? It’s the fact that I have become the Battle God’s Descendant.’

There were two men who had been given the chance to become the Battle God. They were Nerva and Minhyuk. Nerva, who was originally going to become the complete Battle God, had failed while Minhyuk succeeded. Minhyuk believed in the potential that this would bring forth.

To be honest, it had been far too difficult for Minhyuk. He had been struggling after being forced to do labor for several days. On top of that, he had almost been driven crazy from hunger.

Smoke floated above the piping hot grill as Minhyuk placed a thick piece of samgyeopsal on top of it.

Sizzleeeeeee—

Minhyuk looked very excited as he added more samgyeopsal on top of the grill. Of course, he had already prepared the meat table right before he started grilling. The table was complete with boiling doenjang jjigae that were usually served in meat restaurants, and volcano steamed eggs in small earthen pots.

Today, Minhyuk had prepared a very special dish to eat with his samgyeopsal. It was none other than bibimmyeon. Every once in a while, it was amazing to cook instant bibimmyeon instead of making some naengmyeon to eat with the samgyeopsal.

‘It will be even better if I go to a valley to eat this.’

However, he was still satisfied with what he had today. In a blink, the samgyeopsal was already drizzling with oil and sizzling nicely on the grill. Minhyuk quickly cut up a thick piece and dipped it in salt. The greasy flavor of the meat instantly spread in Minhyuk’s mouth the moment he bit into the meat. Next, he dipped another piece of samgyeopsal in ssamjang.

“Kghhk...”

It was a flavor that could naturally evoke one’s admiration.

This time, Minhyuk grabbed a piece of lettuce, placed two pieces of samgyeopsal dipped in samjjang on it, along with some other ingredients garlic and onion, before wrapping everything up and putting it in his mouth.

Munch, munch—

The various ingredients met in his mouth and produced a pleasant harmony of flavors. Next, Minhyuk spread out a piece of victory onion on the plate before adding a piece of samgyeopsal and a tiny dollop of wasabi on top.

When Minhyuk put everything in his mouth, the first thing that greeted him was the fresh flavor of the victory onion. It was immediately followed by the light and savory flavor of the meat, then the stinging, spicy taste of the wasabi.

A delighted smile curled at the corner of Minhyuk’s lips as he scooped a mouthful of rice and put it in his mouth. Just like that, he scooped a spoonful of the boiling deonjang jjigae and ate it together.

“Kghhk! Spicy!”

Since he had been under extreme stress lately, Minhyuk purposely added another cheongyang pepper in the jjigae to make it spicier.

Then, Minhyuk scooped a huge spoonful of the volcano steamed eggs and placed it on the well-cooked white rice. After that, he pressed the steamed egg until it was crushed with the flat of his spoon and mixed it with his rice. After mixing everything well, he scooped a mouthful and put it in his mouth. He thoroughly enjoyed the myriad of flavors, before stretching his chopsticks toward the bibimmyeon.

“Sluuuuuuuuurp!”

The spicy yet sour bibimmyeon instantly washed away the greasiness that settled in Minhyuk’s mouth. And even though he was already eating it, its unique flavor still made his mouth water.

Of course, Minhyuk had to eat it with samgyeopsal. He placed a piece on top of the bibimmyeon. Then, he clamped it with his chopsticks and placed everything in his mouth.

“Sluuuuuuuuuurp!”

There was no need for ssamjang. The sweet and sour bibimmyeon and the samgyeopsal was already the perfect match. However, Minhyuk actually found the instant bibimmyeon a little disappointing.

“I only grabbed two mouthfuls with my chopsticks and an entire bag is already done.”

Of course, it was still fine. After all, Minhyuk cooked ten bags. Just like that, Minhyuk enjoyed a break after a very long time.

Meanwhile, Haze looked at him uneasily.

***

Haze was fully aware of what Minhyuk was concerned about. She knew that her emperor believed that he would be able to attract many people by virtue of becoming the Battle God’s Descendant.

To be honest, Haze was also hoping for this to happen. There was a chance that the kingdoms and empires, especially the ones ravaged by the war against the Luvien Empire scattered all throughout Athenae, would come and take the side of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

So, Haze waited. If things proceeded according to expectations, they would have come here after a day or so. However, none of them had come. It was most probably because they were all afraid to take risks.

‘Your Majesty, we’re in trouble.’

Haze looked sad as she watched Minhyuk eat his meal happily. Perhaps their empire might collapse in just less than a month.

Right then, a report came in.

“Prime Minister Haze, there are people looking for His Majesty.”

“His Majesty? What’s their status?”

“That... They say that they cannot reveal it unless they meet with either His Majesty or the executives.”

Haze looked at the guard that came to her in confusion. His Majesty was still having his meal, she did not want to disturb him. Haze followed the guards to see who came. When they reached the walls, Haze saw dozens of people on horseback wearing black robes and keeping their identities hidden. Actually, there were several people on horseback coming toward the Beyond the Heavens Empire from all directions.

“Who are you?”

Upon hearing Haze’s question, the people in front of her slowly took off the hood that covered their heads and faces.

“I am a diplomat from the Akarron Kingdom. I came here to congratulate you on the establishment of the Beyond the Heavens Empire!”

Haze was very surprised when she heard the man introduce himself. Haze’s knowledge of the kingdoms and empires was not limited to that of the Asgan Continent. She was also very knowledgeable about the kingdoms and empires from all over the world. Akarron Kingdom was a kingdom that had a huge influence in one of the continents in the world. However, the surprise did not end there.

“I am the emperor of the Ruako Empire. I came here to discuss something with the newly crowned emperor, Minhyuk.”

“...!”

Haze’s eyes grew wide as the hooded people introduced themselves one after the other.

“I am King Loic. My kingdom has been ravaged and destroyed by the Luvien Empire just recently. I have led the people and soldiers that I have hidden to migrate to the Beyond the Heavens Empire.”

“I should be the one that spoke first! I came here first!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“Oho. How dare a small border nation like you speak up like that, huh?”

It was quite a sight to see. The diplomats and representatives sent by the empires and kingdoms from all over the world were arguing that they came first. But that was not the end. There were still diplomats, kings, and even emperors arriving one after the other.

However, the question was why did they not lead an army? And why did they come so late?

“Dear noble guests, why do you all look like you’re in such a hurry?”

At that question, one of the diplomats said, “Did you not know? The Luvien Imperial Army has blocked all of the paths leading to the Beyond the Heavens Empire and are monitoring it strictly. Because of that, I have to be as stealthy as possible. That’s the reason why I’m the only one that came here.”

“Ah...!”

Haze realized something that she had overlooked before. However, it seemed like Minhyuk did not overlook this matter. That was why she was in a state of awe.

By virtue of Minhyuk becoming the Battle God, countless empires and kingdoms that were spread all over the world would rush to forge friendly relationships with him and the Beyond the Heavens Empire. If that was the case, what should Haze as the prime minister do here?

“To be honest, I don’t really know...”

“...”

“...?”

“...who came first and who should see His Majesty first. His Majesty is currently eating inside. This is a problem.”

All of their ears perked up as they listened to Haze.

“With the establishment of the Beyond the Heavens Empire, we have to develop a stronger force. However, it’s a pity. Ha... Money. Haa... It would be great if there’s an empire or a kingdom that can provide us with some support, no~?”

“...!”

“...!”

“Well, if there’s an empire or a kingdom like that, then they would probably be the first to meet His Majesty...”

The moment her words ended, a commotion broke out.

“I actually brought 1,000 platinum as a gift to celebrate the establishment of the Beyond the Heavens Empire!”

“I— I brought 2,000 platinum!”

“I brought 5,000!!!”

Then, Haze said, “Five thousand platinum! Is there more?!”

“I— I have 10,000!!!”

“There, ten thousand! Is there more?!”

“I have 100,000!!!”

“Okay, okay. There’s a hundred thousand! If you add a bit more, then you will be able to see His Majesty first! Is there more? Let me tell you once again, His Majesty is both the Food God and the Battle God. He’s someone that has defeated seven million of the Luvien Imperial Army’s troops!”

“Wasn’t it just 2.5 million?”

“He unofficially defeated 4.5 million troops!”

“...!”

“...!”

Haze was an expert in coating her words with gold and putting worth in something that otherwise did not.

“I— I have 200,000!”

“Is there more?! Alright. His Majesty, the emperor of the Ardo Empire will be the first to see His Majesty Minhyuk!”

“Thank— thank you!”

However, for some reason, the emperor of the Ardo Empire looked listless. Somehow, an impromptu auction was suddenly held in order for them to meet Emperor Minhyuk.

Ardo’s Emperor looked around and thought, ‘The Beyond the Heavens Empire is truly a formidable empire.’

At this moment, the woman called Prime Minister Haze was able to snatch almost a million platinum in one go, and it was even through an auction. As expected of a woman that could sell dirt for millions of platinum. Then, at that moment, an unexpected voice rang in Haze’s ears.

[The God that is Good at Lying is both in shock and in awe.]

[The God that is Good at Lying has been watching you and your king.]

[The God that is Good at Lying thought, ‘That king and that vassal...’]

[The God that is Good at Lying has made a huge decision!]

[The God that is Good at Lying is offering you the God of Fraud Class!]

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