Bonnie was surprised that Billy had considered this detail, going so far as to prepare Arvandish cuisine for her. Since she had come to Yale from Pyralis, it had been a long time since she had eaten such a comprehensive selection of Arvandish cuisine.
However, she would have indulged in the feast if Billy hadn't planned this as a trap. Unfortunately, she had to be cautious while eating, leaving her unable to enjoy the dishes despite her longing.
With these thoughts, Bonnie looked at Billy and feigned a grateful expression. "Mr. Billy, your consideration is too thoughtful. It alleviates my homesickness."
Billy was delighted with Bonnie's reaction. By employing such methods, he could only keep a talent like Bonnie firmly under control. The more he thought about it, the happier he became, his smile growing even brighter.
"Alright, let's stop talking before the food gets cold." He sat down first and gestured for Bonnie to sit opposite him. "Sit down and try the dishes. See if they suit your taste."
Bonnie sat down across from Billy. "Since you insist, Mr. Billy, I won't hold back."
"We’re like family from now on. Eat and drink as you please; no need to be reserved." Billy's laughter was hearty, but Bonnie noticed he was subtly observing where she placed her fork.
Billy seemed to show a meaningful smile when she reached for the ribs. However, the specific significance of that smile was unclear. Sensing something amiss, Bonnie tried picking up other dishes. Billy's eyebrows furrowed when she moved her fork to the pork knuckle.
‘Does this mean that only the crispy pork knuckle is safe from all the dishes?’
Thinking this, Bonnie picked up the braised pork knuckle while watching Billy’s reaction. "Before my mother got sick, she often made crispy pork knuckles for me. Since she fell ill, it’s been a long time since I’ve had it. Thanks to you, Mr. Billy, I can enjoy it here today. Thank you."
"No need to thank me. However, the chef’s cooking won’t be like your mother's. Just taste it and let it ease your homesickness a bit," Billy responded with a smile, then waved to a subordinate nearby.
The subordinate quickly ran over at Billy's signal. "Mr. Billy, what are your orders?"
"The chef didn’t put any hallucinogens in the crispy pork knuckle, right?" Billy asked, his brows furrowing as if in thought.
The subordinate was puzzled and then replied, "Yes, Mr. Billy. Is something wrong?"
"Barrett initially reached for the ribs but switched to the braised pork knuckle. Can he tell the difference in taste?" Billy's frown deepened further.
Although he was happy with Bonnie's increasing skills within his organization, her extensive talents made him uneasy. The subordinate laughed and waved dismissively. "Mr. Billy, you’re overthinking it.
“This is a newly circulated hallucinogen in Yale’s underground market—colorless, tasteless, and masked by the food’s flavors. Even the most skilled person wouldn't detect the difference. Barrett probably just got lucky."
They believed their voices were low enough, but every word reached Bonnie's ears.
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