Hell Inn: Rebirth - I Became a Chef in Hell

Chapter 82 I Want All of You

"...But dear lady, I'm just an ordinary announcer! Being a bodyguard isn't for me."

After hearing your request of him, Alastor finished the first half of his speech in a rather frivolous and playful tone.

He closed his eyes and lightly raised his head, as if he were about to burst into song at any moment.

But when he said, "Being a bodyguard isn't for me," he quickly lowered his fluffy red head and narrowed his eyes slightly.

The crimson Wendigo held his fingers together, obscuring half his face, his expression dangerous and cunning.

……

Even though you know he said that purely because you didn't give him enough, he still dares to say he's just a broadcaster? It's only in situations like this that he'd say he's just a broadcaster.

Who committed that massacre seven years ago? Was it you?

Because Alastor evaded the main point and talked nonsense, you were speechless and really wanted to roll your eyes, but luckily you held back.

"...Of course, that's not all. I didn't just invite you to be my bodyguard; that would be too much of a waste."

Faced with Alastor's ambiguous yet seemingly rejecting remarks and expression, you, who appeared unhurried, curled your lips into a faint smile.

It was as if he was amused by his own anger.

"I've already said it, I want all of you."

"Since I'm so greedy, how could I not prepare enough chips in advance? My 'precious' broadcasting demon."

"Furthermore, if I hire a sinner lord, only to end up with him as my bodyguard and backer... heh, I'm not stupid."

"I want more than just your fame; I want your true calling as a radio demon."

You leaned down and approached Alastor with a nonchalant expression.

The long tail of the Eastern sinner wrapped around the chair he was sitting on, and then slowly pulled him toward itself.

“I can forgive your slight to me this once, sir.”

"After all, great sinner lord, I intend to use broadcasting as one of the restaurant's selling points."

You lowered your eyes, and then gently twirled the impeccably clean collar that Alastor always kept so neat with your fingertips.

The male demon's suit was so well-maintained that the fabric was wrinkle-free.

Alastor usually wears a high-necked inner layer.

Otherwise, from this angle you should be able to see his deeply recessed collarbone.

When you lift your eyelids, Alastor is staring at you with his scarlet eyes. He maintains his polite smile, his expression languid and composed.

The Eastern sinner, who almost never touches the broadcasting demon, still has his hand on the other's thin shoulder.

The male demon, with his deer-like features, is now looking up at you with an almost obedient expression.

Perhaps he's also wondering why you chose him as your trading partner?

Although he always has a smile on his face, Alastor is used to having droopy eyelids and a listless attitude towards most things.

This calmness and composure imbued the sinner lord with mystery and charm, making him seem unfathomable.

But when you look down at him, Alastor's expression carries a certain subtle...

...Never mind, you wouldn't know.

While it's a bit offensive and strange to use words like alluring and seductive to describe the radio demon, he certainly gives you that impression.

What surprised you most was that he didn't even resist when you pulled him closer.

You might expect this old gentleman, who dislikes being touched, to look displeased, but the opposite is true.

He rarely appeared in such a silent and docile manner.

If it weren't for the overwhelming presence of the shadow lurking behind him, you might almost think that Alastor's actions were a gesture of goodwill towards you.

But it is precisely because you are always with Alastor that you know better than anyone the cruelty and wickedness hidden beneath the smiling face of the radio demon who is good at disguising himself. You think that his whole being, even his soul, may crave blood.

But the broadcasting demon who knows your strength... may just be showing you his emotions in a different way.

His reaction was certainly novel, but is he trying to play the stalemate game with you?

You wouldn't guess whether his earlier remarks were a rejection or neutrality, and you certainly wouldn't directly ask him what he thought when the situation was leaning towards Alastor.

Even though you were the one who invited him, it doesn't mean you'll put yourself at a disadvantage in a game where one wrong step could lead to utter ruin.

So you look at him, and together you fall into this silence.

"..."

"..."

The silence of the Eastern sinner is unlike any demon Alastor has ever known.

It wasn't a sign of dissatisfaction with his attitude, nor was it a panicked attempt to cover it up.

Always maintaining a different expression, ■■■'s outward calmness and confidence made it difficult for him to think of a good way to break through.

You don't seem like the kind of devil who would reveal his weakness just because of a few words from him.

So Wendigo thought, although you're not one of those seasoned veterans who've been in hell for years, his initial caution might have been justified.

As you make eye contact with him, a faint, indistinct radio crackle accompanies an almost inaudible sigh.

Alastor's regression resembles a temporary compromise by an elder to a child.

The pale Eastern sinner could not comprehend the broadcast demon's unique favoritism and indulgence. He would probably never know that if it weren't for her, the person pulling him aside to discuss the deal, Alastor might have already mocked the other party and left.

Knowing only that she had achieved her goal, the Eastern woman maintained a faint smile and tilted her head slightly, looking like a beautiful statue in the night, generously expressing her satisfaction.

But to Alastor, ■■■’s actions had a certain childishness that even made him find adorable.

—At least for the broadcasting demon, this was a rare sight.

"You know, the principle of scarcity makes things valuable applies in any era. Radio may not be as popular as the media is now, but what if I use a different method?"

You ask the older person in front of you a question in a very soft voice, a question you already know the answer to.

Your nose almost touched his.

Alastor's breath, so faint it could be described as a thin mist, enveloped your face, and you could smell the scent of forests and swamps emanating from him.

It's so close that you can feel rotting moss crawling up your ankles.

"What if my restaurant is good enough to draw everyone's attention to me? What if I said I would use the radio as a medium to monopolize my restaurant's top-secret information? For example, recipes, secrets, discounts, or some trivial surprises?"

"What if my restaurant is famous enough that I say, 'If you want to know more about this restaurant, you can only find out through the radio,' then what?"

"Mr. Radio Devil, do you know how much people nowadays crave a sense of superiority and being unique?"

You gently brushed against Alastor's collar, then slowly straightened up, looking calmly at the broadcasting demon.

Even as you said those words, you were still a little unsure because you hadn't officially started your plan.

But these words are actually based on your experience.

You worked a lot of jobs during your lifetime to support yourself and broaden your horizons. Putting aside real Michelin-starred restaurants, you also did part-time jobs in many other high-end restaurants and workplaces—you've seen far too many different forms and styles of scarcity marketing.

No matter how much time has passed, no matter who it is, no matter what age group it is, a sense of superiority is a deep-seated flaw in most people, and even all living beings.

After all, who doesn't want to be superior to others?

"The essence of a high-end restaurant: perfect dishes, facilities, and service, dedicated to creating a sophisticated experience for customers. And beyond that, you are the little bit of whims I add to it."

When talking about Alastor being his own capriciousness, ■■■ revealed a frank and relaxed smile.

The expressionless Eastern sinner rarely showed such an expression; she smiled so much that her eyebrows and eyes curved, and her tail, which always betrayed her emotions, swung lightly halfway around.

■■■'s expression was somewhat unexpected by Alastor.

'Ha! Look at her! That taciturn chef, who's like a comedian, is so charming when she laughs, she's like an oriental beauty from a movie poster.'

'Her smiling face will definitely be featured in the movie star section, because that's where those who win box office crowns belong.'

...But now is perhaps not the right time to compliment a lady's smile.

The sinner lord, whose thoughts had drifted away for a moment, returned to normal after making a pausing sound.

He stretched his shoulders like a cat stretching out of embarrassment, then shifted to a more comfortable position, politely waiting for the Eastern sinner to continue his conversation.

"You don't need to worry about the restaurant's operation and future prospects, because I can take full responsibility for it, after all, this is my profession."

You, who were very satisfied with your choice of Alastor and considered yourself a genius, coughed twice and suppressed your perhaps somewhat inappropriate smile.

If Alastor weren't the 'best option' instead of 'one of the best options'... you wouldn't have made such a difficult deal with the broadcasting demon!

"Your real responsibility lies in what you do best."

"More convenient than newspapers, rarer than modern technology, and able to clearly provide everything I need—I must admit, the radio does possess a mysterious charm."

When praising the radio, you, who have always appreciated old objects, spoke more like a murmur to yourself. You rested your index finger on your chin, and your voice lowered slightly.

Because radios are so versatile, you often find yourself pondering and planning whenever this part of the plan comes up.

"A very interesting suggestion."

"But don't get me wrong, sweetheart! I am indeed pleased by your praise, but perhaps you have something more important to say to me than these compliments?"

Watching you deep in thought, not wasting a single second, the elegant Wendigo, lost in thought, tapped the armrest of her chair with her fingertips.

Alastor's deliberate reminder was obvious; a series of light "tap-tap" sounds instantly pulled you out of your reverie about the future.

"Ahem! What I mean is, with the charm of radio combined with the attribute of exclusivity... Ah, since the Radio Demon is in charge, it's not surprising that the restaurant uses radio for exclusivity, is it?"

Seeing this, you didn't dare to show any embarrassment. After adjusting your tone, you coughed lightly twice and said in a serious manner.

"Think about it, once the chain restaurants open, your influence as the sole medium of communication will gradually increase. At that time, you can use the radio to create some new programs—just like the era you miss."

"By then, you, as a broadcaster, will be a special entity, and your value will be sufficient to support you as a special medium..."

As you began to think about how much benefit you could bring to Alastor, you gently flicked your tail behind you.

This is a small gesture that only occurs when you are seriously thinking about something.

Because you explained things very clearly and didn't hide any traps, Alastor understood quite quickly.

...Or even if you hide a trap and don't explain yourself clearly, he can still quickly understand what you mean.

But in order to show your sincerity to the broadcasting devil, you'd love to break down your thoughts and explain them to him in detail, lest the old fox Alastor refuse to cooperate with you because he thinks you're not sincere.

To be honest, you were somewhat surprised, as you expected Alastor to be uninterested in your idea. But to your surprise, the Trading King Broadcast Demon not only seemed very interested in your entrepreneurial aspirations, but his patience was also so good it made you feel like you were seeing a ghost.

……

Although you feel bad for Alastor in front of you... something still feels off, after all, Wendigo is the kind of person who's full of bad intentions.

...You probably didn't fall into his trap unintentionally, did you?