A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World (WN)

"That black fog was indeed rather weird. But, how do you know that it has appeared at the Demon Islands?" Irina asked Mag with a perplexed look.

"The Lantisdeans are living under the Boundless Sea Realm now, and they told me that," Mag replied calmly. He didn't intend to lie to Irina deliberately, but the System's existence couldn't be known by others. This was one of the System's core principles. The System had warned him not to tell anyone many times before.

Irina remembered that group of thugs in suits, and curiously asked, "So they were that group of mysterious men in black then? What is their background?"

She still had no idea where this group of mysterious powerhouses came from.

"Lantisde was a country that existed on the Norland Continent a very long time ago. However, a few thousands years ago, it sank…" Mag told Irina about the history of Lantisde, how they established a relationship, and their three promises in a summary.

"So, that was what happened. It means that you have a team of crack troops living under the sea and nobody knows who they are too." Irina nodded. Smiling, she continued, "It seems like you have done quite well after you put down the sword and picked up the cleaver."

"I can't help it that I am that outstanding." Mag sighed. It was such a headache that he was so talented.

"Tsk, tsk." Irina rolled her eyes at him.

"Ah, yes. When you and Borg were in combat previously, I realized your Holy Light magic has a very good purifying effect on that black fog. Thus, you may have to go find that black fog first before you go for the kill," Mag continued.

"The Holy Light could purify the black fog?" Irina was a little surprised to hear that. Obviously, she had heard that for the first time.

"Yes. You hated that Ghost's Aura so it should feel the same about you too. It is a mutually antagonistic existence." Mag nodded.

"Alright. I want to find out what that is too. How dares it contaminate the Tree of Life." Irina nodded in agreement.

***

Early next morning, Mag was woken up by the alarm clock. He went to pull open the curtains as he rubbed his eyes. Looking out at the still dark square, he was greeted by a scene of white as it snowed again last night.

Mag lowered his head and saw a figure in a thick jacket walking around downstairs. She was even stomping her feet every now and then, making a series of footprints in the snow.

"Why is Rena here so early?" Mag had set the alarm at 5.40am, and he had arranged with Rena to meet at 6am. Judging from the footprints on the ground, she should've been here for a while.

Mag changed his clothes and went downstairs to open the door.

"Come in, Rena," he said to Rena, who was huddling and pacing around.

"Ah?" Rena looked up and was taken aback to see Mag standing at the door. She quickly stood up straight, and greeted Mag. "You are up?"

"Let's go in before we talk. It's cold out there." Mag stepped to a side to let Rena in before closing the door to shut the cold wind out.

The temperature out there had to be about 10 degrees below zero. Even he couldn't help but shiver when he opened the door, and this silly lass had been waiting out there.

"Phew." Rena stepped into the restaurant and exhaled a breath of cold air. It was so warm in the restaurant, and it seemed to be a completely different world from the outside.

"Didn't we set it at 6am? Why are you here so early?" Mag asked Rena who was rubbing her reddened hands.

"I woke up when I heard the rooster crow. I came over because I don't know if it was already 6am. Anyway, I've only waited for a short time," Rena said with a smile as she placed her hands behind her back. Her mother always told her that it was better to be early than late.

Mag suddenly realized that the clocks were not popularized in this world yet. Both the clock and the magical watch cost over tens of thousands copper coins, and only could be afforded by the rich. Obviously, Rena didn't have anything that allowed her to know the time at home.

"You take a seat and warm up first. I'm going to wash up first," Mag said to Rena before he went into the kitchen. He smashed a few pieces of raw ginger and threw them into a pot of boiling water before adding two pieces of molasses and covered the pot. Then, he went upstairs to wash up.

Rena pulled out a chair, sat on its edge, and rubbed her hands that were frozen red. The temperature in the restaurant was very comfortable, and her body soon recovered her senses.

Soon, Mag came downstairs and Rena quickly stood up.

"Have a seat." Mag gestured for her to remain seated, and went into the kitchen. He came out with a bowl of molasses and ginger tea. "Drink some of this ginger tea to chase away the cold."

"T-thank you, Boss." Rena took the bowl of ginger tea, feeling very flattered. The aroma of the molasses and the ginger greeted her along with the steam, and the terracotta bowl was warm in her hands.

"Knock on the door in the future even if you have come early. Don't wait outside. Your hands are meant to cook, we can't let them freeze," Mag said with a serious expression.

"Mm-hm." Rena nodded. Her heart already felt warm even before she drank the ginger tea.

"Take a seat and drink it. It will be almost time for us to cook the congee with pork and century egg after you are done," Mag said with a smile before he went into the kitchen.

Rena sat down again and used the spoon to scoop up the red ginger tea. She blew at it before drinking it.

The ginger tea that was still hot was a little sweet when she first sipped it. After she swallowed, the spiciness of the old ginger was instantly released, and burned its way down to her stomach from her throat. Then, the warmth began to spread throughout her body.

"This ginger tea is so delish." Rena's eyes lit up, and she continued to drink one spoonful after another. Her body, which was frozen from standing in the cold wind, began to warm up from the inside out. Her entire body was warm, and there were even beads of sweat on her forehead.

Rena swiftly removed her jacket after drinking the ginger tea as it was simply too warm. Moreover, it was a warmth that spread from the inside out.

Rena put the chair back where it was before going into the kitchen with the bowl she used, and cautiously said, "What should I do now?"

Mag took the bowl from Rena and placed it into the dishwasher at the side as he said, "Leave the bowl. We will be cooking breakfast for the Aden Square's cleaners now. They have to start their cleaning jobs in the cold at 4am every morning, so we will be cooking them a helping of piping hot congee with pork and century egg to replenish their calories and energy."

"You are such a good man," Rena commented sincerely.

"Ding! 'Good Person Card' +1." The System's voice sounded.

Mag's mouth twitched as he tried to keep his emotion in check. Smiling, he said, "Alright, let's get started. We got to get the congee ready before 6.30am. This is the time that I have set with them for breakfast."