Chapter 411
Hertha understood Thalassa’s concerns more clearly now. She patted Thalassa’s shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, everything will be just fine.”
Thalassa gave her a grateful look.
The time had come for the final round of the ‘Gourmet Competition’. The competition proceeded smoothly.
Several judges sat on the podium, with Lysander taking the most prominent position. His commanding aura was unquestionable and exuded an unmatched sense of nobility.
The other judges paled in comparison, reduced to mere accessories in his presence,
Thalassa 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 porcelain doll, chubby and adorable. Her large 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 so competitive 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 a comic element?”
“Does she have any backing?”
The audience was buzzing with speculation.
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 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, Thalassa 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 Thalassa standing behind him.
Noticing her gaze, Lysander looked at Thalassa.
Thalassa, 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.
Thalassa’s heart pounded as she quickly explained, “She’s my best friend’s daughter.
Lysander glanced at her before turning his attention back to the contestants.
Thalassa’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 placed 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 accurately 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.