#tof-prologue-p2

[dream-meister-translations]

TALE OF FOOD MAIN STORY : PROLOGUE PART 2

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This is Kongsang, the place that I, along with my parents and the food souls, call home.

Another day with warm breeze and azure-blue sky. The excellent weather in Kongsang leaves travelers from across the three realms unwilling to leave. It is yet another breezily warm day of clear azure skies. The unchanging beauty of Kongsang is reputed to have lingered in the memories of all who have visited it.

HARBIN FRIED PORK : It has been fifteen minutes, Master. I am at your service if you require any assistance with your wardrobe.

MASTER : No need...I'll be right there.

HARBIN FRIED PORK : Are you truly ready? The button on your collar appears to be undone and suggests otherwise.

MASTER : I was rushed for time so...

Harbin Fried Pork steps forward and buttons it up before I can protest.

HARBIN FRIED PORK : The Food God has been roaming the world with his beloved wife for many eons. As your butler, it is my duty to assist you in discharging your duties as Deputy Food God.

HARBIN FRIED PORK : Tens of thousands of Food Souls now call Kongsang their home. The restaurant welcomes thousands of patrons from the three realms daily.

HARBIN FRIED PORK : As the descendant of the Food God, perhaps you, as the Master of Kongsang, should...

MASTER : That's enough. Save your nagging for another day. I'm going to check on the restaurant.

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I have barely stepped inside the restaurant when I am almost deafened by firecracker explosions and drumming at the entrance of the restaurant.

PEKING DUCK : You're so late, Master! I've been up already, yet you dared sleep in?

PEKING DUCK : I must have someone keep an eye on you, my loyal subject, so you kick this habit soon!

MASTER : I- What's going on outside? It sounds like a parade's happening out there...

BUDDHA'S TEMPTATION : The grand opening of a neighboring restaurant is taking place.

PEKING DUCK : Interesting. Don't you think they're a little overconfident, setting up shop next to the Food God's own establishment?

PEKING DUCK : But Lady Luck may smile on he who has lofty aspirations. I admire their courage, at least.

MASTER : The opening of a restaurant is to be celebrated. May it bring much joy to all in the days to come.

MASTER : After all, the joy mortals derive from food is the reason why the Food God and Kongsang exist after all.

??? : Hear, hear! I couldn't have put it better!

The door to the restaurant flies open before anyone else can say a word. Led by a single person, a long file of servants clad in similar outfits enter, each with an equally haughty expression.

??? : There's no need to panic whatsoever. Allow me to introduce myself.

YI YA : I am Yi Ya, the head steward of the Realm of Melanya. I am here today on behalf of my Master to pay my respects to Kongsang!

MASTER : The Realm...Of...Melanya?

YI YA : Goodness, how comes it that you know not the Realm of Melanya, child of the Food God Yizhi?

YI YA : There is a huge rock on Manting Peak shaped like an incense burner, this is known as the Realm of Melanya.

YI YA : In the year 219 BC, thirteen deities gave a feast for their hometown in the realm of Melanya! The dishes served were exceptional and received unanimous praise.

YI YA : The person behind the feast's success is the most skilled culinarian and the present master of the Realm of Melanya!

MASTER : Your master sounds like a real character. But why was he not the Food God?

YI YA : Hmph! If not for Yizhi's deceitful wooing of Her Highness Yaoji, she would not have sung his praises before the goddess Nuwa...Otherwise, Yizhi stood no chance of winning.

YI YA : A pity my Master saw Yizhi as a brother...To think he stole my master's beloved and divine title!

YI YA : And now, Yizhi has forsaken Her Highness for a mortal wife. To top it off, he's left the running of the venerated Kongsang to a suckling of a child, what sacrilege!

YI YA : The Millennial Food God Selection is at hand. Having failed to discharge his duties, Yizhi is no longer fit to reign! My Master will take back his rightful place in the pantheon!

MASTER : Should you be dissatisfied with the titleholder, please pit your skills against us at the selection by all means. But Kongsang will tolerate no further slander against the Food God.

MASTER : Tell your master that Kongsang accepts his challenge! The outcome will be decided in fair competition. Now please leave!

??? : Roar-

A sudden roar rips through the skies of Kongsang, sending tremors through the ground. Roof tiles rattle overhead and dust rains down from the rafters.

MASTER : What happened? What was that sound?

Meanwhile, Yi Ya and his followers have made their getaway amidst the chaos...

PEKING DUCK : Confound it! This was a diversion! We must investigate outside right now!

??? : Roar-

MASTER : Taotie, one of the four ancient beasts?! How can it be? It should already be sealed under Mount Buzhou!

PEKING DUCK : The myriad of food souls that reside in Kongsang will make an excellent feast for it! We must act immediately!

MASTER : I've got a bad feeling about this...I'm worried our enemy's real target is..."The Tale of Food" on the temple's altar!

PEKING DUCK : Good thinking! I'll leave the defense of the food souls to you!

MASTER : Lil' Emperor...Are you sure you can take on Taotie on your own?

PEKING DUCK : How many times must I repeat myself? Pray speak not that nickname of mine again!

PEKING DUCK : Who do you think I am? Pay attention and watch my heroic form!

A group of duck soldiers hastily emerge and waddle closely after their lord.