Chapter 411


    Hertha understood Thssa’s concerns more clearly now. She patted Thssa’s shoulder and said,


    “Don’t worry, everything will be just fine.”


    Thssa gave her a grateful look.


    The time hade for the final round of the ‘Gourmet Competition’. Thepetition proceeded


    smoothly.


    Several judges sat on the podium, with Lysander taking the most prominent position. Hismanding


    aura was unquestionable and exuded an unmatched sense of nobility.


    The other judges paled inparison, reduced to mere essories in his presence,


    Thssa stood behind Lysander, ready to assist him at any time.


    One by one, the contestants took the stage, receiving scores from the judges. The first few contestants


    were all men in their thirties, all professional chefs.


    When it was time for the next contestant, a little girl of not-more than five years old took the stage.


    She was dressed in a white princess dress, with two braids in her hair. She was as cute as a porcin


    doll, chubby and adorable. Herrge innocent eyes were sparkling, expressing an innocent cuteness


    that was irresistibly charming.


    Her appearance on stage elicited a murmur of surprise from the audience.


    “Good heavens, such a little kid is participating in the Gourmet Competition? She passed all the


    preliminary and semi-final rounds?”


    “It’s incredible! Society is sopetitive these days, that even children are being roped in. She’s barely


    out of kindergarten, isn’t she?”


    “Are you sure this little darling is not here to add aic element?”


    “Does she have any backing?”


    The audience was buzzing with spection.


    Lysander’s deep gaze turned towards the little girl, Elowen. His gaze was profound, filled with curiosity


    yet also a trace of doubt.


    He had seen her on TV during the semi-finals of the Gourmet Competition but didn’t know much about


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    her actual culinary skills. He couldn’t help but doubt how such a small girl could have outperformed so


    many and made it to the final stage. Could there be some behind-the-scenes intrigue?


    Seeing Elowen, Thssa felt a mixture of cheerfulness and tension.


    Elowen walked onto the stage with a calm demeanor. Despite her young age, she didn’t seem nervous


    at all.


    Her sparkling eyes scanned the judges’ panel. When she saw Lysander, her gaze paused, focusing on


    Thssa standing behind him.


    Noticing her gaze, Lysander looked at Thssa.


    Thssa, who was encouraging Elowen with her eyes, felt a jolt when she met Lysander’s gaze. She


    quickly averted her eyes. She was slightly nervous, and she nodded at Lysander, indicating that she


    was ready to assist him.


    “Do you know her?” Lysander asked.


    Amid the noise of the crowd, only she could hear his question.


    Thssa’s heart pounded as she quickly exined, “She’s my best friend’s daughter.


    Lysander nced at her before turning his attention back to the contestants.


    Thssa’s heart fluttered with unease.


    By now, Elowen had shifted her gaze away, walking towards the variety of delectable foods on the


    stage.


    The food was ced quite high. Elowen tried to reach for the fork but her short little arms couldn’t


    reach.


    The scene was both adorable and heart-wrenching.


    The host stepped forward, picked up the fork for her, and served her the food..


    After eating, Elowen was able to urately name all the ingredients used in each dish, even describing


    the cooking methods with precision.


    Her knowledge about food was astonishingly vast for such a young child.


    The audience was amazed and envious, calling her a prodigy.


    Those who doubted her qualifications were now silent.


    Lysander too, was intrigued by the little girl. His skeptical gaze now held a hint of admiration.