One week had passed since their crazy adventure in the Underworld Grocery Store. Aruna's ramen shop had returned to its peaceful routine. The sound of simmering broth, the warm aroma of spices, and Zael's grumbling had become a familiar accompaniment. Aruna was used to all of it.
Zael, who was usually lazy, was now working with unusual enthusiasm. He wiped tables, swept the floor, and even helped Aruna chop vegetables. Of course, he still complained. "This is a job that is beneath my station, Aruna," he grumbled. "I am a prince of darkness, not a chef's assistant."
Aruna just smiled. "Yes, yes. But at least you're more useful now," she replied casually.
The shop door opened, and a man entered. He was a mysterious man who had never been seen before. The man wore a long coat, a hat, and sunglasses. He sat at the counter and looked at Aruna with a thin smile.
"One serving of pork ramen, Aruna," he said. Aruna frowned. "You know my name?" she asked.
"Of course," the man replied. "Who doesn't know the young chef who can defeat a demon with a bowl of soup?"
Zael, hearing this, immediately became wary. He moved closer to Aruna and whispered, "Aruna, I smell betrayal again. This man is definitely a demon."
"Zael," Aruna scolded. "He's just a customer."
"But he knows about us!" Zael whispered with exaggeration. "He knows about the soup. He knows about the demons. He knows about..."
"Quiet, Zael," Aruna cut him off. She looked at the man and smiled. "I will make you the best ramen."
Aruna began to cook, and Zael continued to watch her. Zael didn't like this man. He didn't like his smile. He didn't like his gaze. He didn't like the fact that this man knew their secrets.
The man ate the ramen calmly, then smiled. "This is the best ramen I have ever eaten," he said. "The umami flavor, the blend of spices, and the white cabbage from the Garden of Eden... it's all perfect."
Aruna was surprised. "You know about that white cabbage?"
The man nodded. "Of course. I am the one who created that legendary soup recipe."
Zael, hearing this, froze. "What? You?!" he shouted. "So all this time... it was you?!"
The man laughed. "My name is Shiro. I am the first chef who made a pact with a demon, and that recipe is the fruit of that pact. This recipe is the most valuable recipe, and I wanted to see who would be its heir."
Shiro turned to Zael. "And you... Zael. You are the demon who watches over this recipe. You made the pact with Aruna, didn't you?"
Zael nodded, his face still pale.
Shiro smiled. "You have done a very good job, Zael. Aruna is a chef who is worthy of this recipe." He then turned to Aruna. "Aruna, this recipe is now yours. Take good care of it."
Shiro stood up and walked out. "See you again, Aruna," he said. "And see you again, Zael. I will return one day."
Shiro disappeared, leaving Aruna and Zael alone in the shop. Aruna looked at Zael, and Zael looked at her. The silence was awkward.
"So... that man... was..." Aruna tried to speak.
"Yes," Zael replied, his voice low. "He was the first chef. He created this recipe." Zael then sighed. "I hate it. I hate all of this. I hate the fact that I never knew."
Aruna smiled. She patted Zael's shoulder. "It's okay, Zael. At least we know now. And now, this recipe belongs to us." She looked at Zael. "We'll make it even better, okay?"
Zael looked at Aruna, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "Of course. I will help you. Because... this recipe is my life."
Outside the shop, Shiro smiled. "Operation is going smoothly, Lady Lilith. I have found the heir to the recipe. And I am sure she will be ready for an even bigger adventure." He disappeared into the darkness of the night, leaving Aruna and Zael to face an unpredictable future.