Chapter 176: Fried Chicken Experiment
The day after Mcronald’s triumphant reopening, the shop was quiet. No sizzling patties, no clatter of trays, no cheerful hum of customers swapping stories over burgers and fries. The front windows were still shuttered, sunlight slipping in only through the side gaps. The air inside was cooler than usual, scented faintly of yesterday’s cooking oil.
Inigo was in the kitchen early, sleeves rolled up, apron already dusted with flour. A sack of fresh poultry sat on the counter beside him, wrapped in butcher paper from the morning market. He untied it, revealing cuts of chicken—drumsticks, thighs, wings—pink and ready for something new.
Lyra leaned against the counter opposite him, coffee mug in hand. She was dressed in her usual tunic and pants, no apron yet, hair loosely tied back. "We already have a line for tomorrow," she said, sipping. "Why are we making things harder on ourselves?"
"Because," Inigo replied, taking a drumstick and holding it up like an artifact, "burgers and fries are great, but you know what people in my world would fight over? Fried chicken. Golden, crispy, juicy fried chicken."
Lyra smirked. "We already fry potatoes. How different can it be?"
"Very," Inigo said, grinning. "Potatoes don’t try to stay raw in the middle or turn into leather if you mess up."
Maddy stepped through the back door, carrying a small crate of eggs. She set them gently on the counter and looked between them. "So... is this for a new menu item?"
"That’s the plan," Inigo said. "You, Riko, and Lyra get to be the first taste-testers."
"I’m in," Maddy said immediately.
Riko, who had been sweeping the dining area, popped his head through the service window. "If it’s food, I’ll try anything."
"Good," Inigo said, clapping his hands. "First, we prep. Lyra, you’re on flour and seasoning. Maddy, egg wash. Riko, keep the counter clear and help with cleanup—this is going to get messy."
Lyra set her mug down with a sigh, but there was a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "What goes in the seasoning?"