Michelin Chef Goes to Joseon (5)
A New Quest
When Inhyeok returned from the banquet, the Royal Kitchen (Saongwon) was unusually noisy.
Word had spread fast — the Qing envoys had praised the banquet food in front of everyone.
Every cook who’d heard it was buzzing with excitement.
In the midst of the chatter, Inhyeok quietly began cleaning his tools.
“Master! That was incredible! The Qing envoys praised your cooking so highly!”
One of the junior cooks came running over in admiration, and soon the others gathered around as well.
“They even asked to meet the chef who made the dishes! I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years here.”
“I heard their faces completely changed the moment they tasted the croaker and corvina dishes. Is that true?”
The excited chatter made Inhyeok scratch his head, smiling shyly.
“It was probably just luck. Seems the food happened to suit their taste.”
“Not just luck, sir.”
The calm voice came from the assistant cook who had worked closest beside him during the banquet.
“Honestly, your method was unlike anything I’ve seen in Joseon cuisine. The aroma, the texture — the fish was alive with flavor. I’d love to learn from you.”
The man’s eyes gleamed with genuine admiration, and the others eagerly nodded.
“Oh! Please teach us too, Master Bongsa!”
“I’d like to learn as well!”
“Well… if only permission is granted, perhaps. The Royal Kitchen does have its rules, after all.”
Inhyeok was a little embarrassed by their enthusiasm, scratching his head again—when suddenly, the door burst open.
“Volunteer Kim Inhyuk here?”
At the urgent voice of a royal attendant, the once-bustling kitchen fell completely silent.
Inhyeok lifted his head.
“What is it?”
“The Minister of Rites requests your presence — immediately.”
At that, murmurs rippled through the cooks. It was rare for an individual to be summoned after a banquet, and everyone was curious.
“I understand.”
The attendant bowed and hurried out. Inhyeok straightened his attire, packed up his tools, and left the kitchen.
The Minister’s Summons
When Inhyeok arrived, the Minister of Rites, Yoon Nak-cheol, was reading through documents at his desk.
Moments later, a servant announced, “My lord, Kim Inhyeok of the Royal Kitchen has arrived.”
“Send him in.”
Inhyeok entered, bowed deeply, and greeted the Minister.
“Ah, yes. Thanks to you, the banquet was a great success.”
“You honor me with your words.”
The Minister tapped the table thoughtfully, gazing at him.
“The envoys were full of praise for your cooking — said Joseon’s cuisine had found new brilliance.”
“I only did my best with what I’ve learned in the Royal Kitchen.”
Yoon Nak-cheol nodded.
“Your methods are fresh, but remember — royal cuisine follows long-standing tradition. Innovation is good, but tread carefully.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good. And soon, His Majesty will likely commend you for your service.”
“…Pardon?”
“Why so surprised? The Qing envoys were important guests, and His Majesty takes such matters seriously. It’s a delicate balance — not too distant, not too close. Pleasing them was no small feat.”
“I only did my duty, Minister. I wasn’t seeking reward.”
“But you achieved results. Continue doing your work with the same diligence.”
At the Minister’s firm tone, Inhyeok could only bow in silence.
Yoon Nak-cheol waved him off. “That’s all I had to say. You may go.”
“Yes, Minister.”
Leaving the house, Inhyeok found night had already fallen. Deciding it was too late to return to the palace, he walked straight home.
At the gate, his servant Manseok was sweeping the yard. The moment he saw Inhyeok, he dropped the broom and ran over.
“Master!”
“What’s the rush?”
“Huh? You’re not drunk today?”
“What are you talking about? I told you I quit drinking.”
“I’d sooner believe a passing dog could recite the Book of Documents than that— Ow! Why’d you hit me!”
“You really need me to explain why?”
Manseok sulked, rubbing his head while Inhyeok kept walking.
“Has Father returned?”
“Not yet, sir. He said he’d be late tonight.”
“Hmm… I was going to tell him about my meeting with the Minister.”
Manseok tilted his head. “Something important?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Just tell Father I came home early.”
“Of course, sir! Don’t you worry.”
Inhyeok gave him a doubtful look, shook his head, and went to his room.
In the Royal Court
Meanwhile, deep within Gyeongbokgung Palace, King Yeongjo sat quietly, listening to his ministers’ report about the banquet.
“Your Majesty, during the feast, a royal cook used a new method that greatly impressed the Qing envoys.”
Yeongjo paused mid-stroke with his brush.
“A new method, you say? Explain.”
“They tasted a fish dish prepared differently from our traditional recipes and were quite intrigued. The Minister of Rites even summoned the cook to explain his process.”
“Ho? Is that so?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The minister bowed his head.
“I’ve heard those envoys are hard to please. If they were satisfied, all the better. What is this cook’s name?”
“Kim Inhyeok, Your Majesty. Second son of Kim Jae-hwan, Chief Scholar of the Hongmungwan.”
“The Chief Scholar’s son? I don’t recall him ever mentioning a second son… Kim Inhyeok, you say…”
Yeongjo stroked his chin, repeating the name with quiet interest.
The Next Day
Even though the banquet had ended, the Royal Kitchen was as busy as ever.
While the cooks cleaned and organized, Inhyeok polished his knives — but his mind was elsewhere.
“His Majesty mentioned my name?”
He hadn’t been summoned yet, but just knowing the king had taken notice was enough to unsettle him.
As he sighed, the same eager assistant from yesterday approached.
“Master Bongsa, what troubles you?”
“Ah, nothing. Just thinking ahead.”
“Is it because of what they said — that His Majesty spoke your name?”
“Something like that.”
“Could it be you’re about to be promoted?”
Inhyeok chuckled and shook his head. “That’s unlikely.”
Still, he couldn’t help but wonder.
Then —
Ding!
A familiar alert tone rang out, and a blue window appeared before his eyes.
[Main Quest Updated]
Captivate King Yeongjo’s palate and become the Royal Kitchen’s Jejo (Second Rank Official).
— Quest Progress Updated: 3%
— King Yeongjo has taken notice of you.
— You are now more likely to be summoned to royal banquets and special meals.
“Already…?”
He sighed again. Things were progressing too quickly.
While he pondered, noise erupted in the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” he muttered, standing up.
A young cook came running. “Master Bongsa! Could you come quickly, please?”
“What happened?”
“Um… it’s…”
The man hesitated, so Inhyeok pushed through the gathered cooks.
On the floor lay broken porcelain and a puddle of spilled broth — the very soup meant for the King’s meal.
“What in the world happened here?”
“Cook Seo Cheol-guk tripped and dropped it, sir.”
“Seo Cheol-guk?”
“Yes, that one.”
Inhyeok turned to see a young man standing rigid, fists clenched, staring down in shock and shame.
Then another alert appeared:
[Quest Triggered]
An Incident Has Occurred.
— Cook Seo Cheol-guk has dropped and shattered the soup bowl meant for the King’s table.
— Mission: Recreate the soup from scratch before the royal meal begins!
Inhyeok exhaled sharply.
“Another quest…? And today’s royal dish was… tofu soup.”
He assessed the mess — thankfully, the spill hadn’t contaminated other dishes.
“Alright, listen up!” he called. “If we start now, we can still make it. But not with the old method — it takes too long.”
“What should we do, sir? We don’t have much time. The supervisor will be here soon!”
“How long until the meal?”
“Half a gak (about an hour).”
“That’s enough. Look here! Follow my lead exactly and we’ll make it in time!”
“Yes, sir!”
He swiftly organized the kitchen, assigning roles. Then he turned to Seo Cheol-guk, who still stood frozen.
“How long are you going to stand there?”
“Huh?”
“If I were the one who caused this mess, I’d already be running to get more tofu. Move!”
And with that command, the kitchen roared back to life —
the Michelin chef from the future leading a desperate race to save the King’s meal.
