The ingredients were simple — just cauliflower, rice, egg, and a few fragrant seasonings.
Yet from Zane's kitchen, the aroma they created was anything but plain. A light, savory fragrance infused the air, warming the entire tavern with its nostalgic comfort. It wasn't overpowering or showy like gourmet restaurant dishes — it was sincere, pure, and real. It was food that spoke to the heart.
As soon as Erina took her first bite, a gentle moan escaped her lips. The warm grains of rice danced across her tongue, the soft cauliflower melting into a buttery texture that coated her mouth and filled her chest with warmth. Her eyes widened slightly as the sensation blossomed throughout her body like a slow, soothing wave.
She couldn't stop herself — her throat worked on instinct, swallowing the mouthful like a parched traveler savoring their first drink of water.
"This…" she whispered under her breath, "is happiness."
Across the table, Sonoka hadn't touched her chopsticks. She sat still, her expression unreadable, eyes locked on the steaming bowl in front of her.
Zane noticed.
"You okay?" he asked gently, setting down the dishcloth he had been using. "Not hungry? Or is something bothering you?"
Sonoka hesitated, then let out a soft sigh. Her lips curled into a wry smile.
"Boss… can I bring her over to eat too?"
Zane's expression didn't change — but he already knew who she meant.
"Taki?"
Sonoka nodded.
Zane wiped his hands, his voice calm but welcoming. "Bring her. She's always welcome here."
With his blessing, Sonoka stood up and dashed out of the tavern's side door, heading next door to the high-end Western restaurant — Shunkatei.
Outside the tavern, an unmistakable voice rang out.
"I've already said this a hundred times!"
"I'd rather jump off the rooftop than go to some tavern to eat!"
But before the sentence could properly finish echoing in the alley, the glass door opened on its own, letting in the reluctant newcomer.
She had long, dark purple hair tied in a low ponytail and a sharp glint in her eyes that masked a softer heart. The annoyance in her voice was exaggerated — the type of tsundere attitude that hinted more at embarrassment than genuine resistance.
"Alright, alright…"
Sonoka chuckled, gently pulling the girl by the arm.
"Taki, just sit down and eat. You'll understand once you taste it."
Even with her grumbling, Taki didn't resist much. Maybe it was the scent in the air. Maybe it was Sonoka's persistence. Or maybe, deep down, she didn't want to keep shutting herself off.
When Erina realized who had just entered, she immediately stood and brought over a fresh bowl of cauliflower fried rice. Her usual prideful demeanor softened as she placed the bowl in front of Taki with care.
"Here. Eat."
For a moment, Taki hesitated. Her fingers curled over the chopsticks, unmoving. Her pride still screamed at her to walk away.
But then — a breath. A sniff.
Her stomach growled.
One bite — just one — and everything cracked.
Her mask slipped. The tension in her shoulders gave out as her eyes widened in shock. Her hands moved without thinking, scooping up bite after bite, as if trying to fill the emptiness inside.
She began to cry.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as the warm, simple food broke through every layer of defense she'd built around her heart.
"I'm so… pathetic," she choked between sobs, voice barely audible.
Zane approached and knelt beside her. "Taki," he said gently, "why don't you join us here? Like Sonoka."
"This tavern… it's full of good people. And good food."
"I think it could be a place where you heal."
Taki looked up at him, her vision blurred by tears. Her lips trembled.
"Th-thank you… Boss… I—"
The words wouldn't come out. So she just nodded fiercely, crying into her bowl of rice.
From the side, Sonoka blinked. She hadn't expected Taki to give in so quickly. But as the weight of her friend's acceptance settled in, a bright smile spread across her face.
And so, with a single late-night meal filled with warmth and honesty, the tavern welcomed its second official employee:
Taki — the Second Seat of the 88th Totsuki Elite Ten.
The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered softly through the bedroom curtains, falling across Erina's flawless features like a divine spotlight. She stirred slightly, then slowly opened her eyes, stretching with a sleepy yawn.
This was the best sleep she'd had in weeks. No conference calls, no reports to review, no high-class dinner engagements to attend. Just the comforting silence of the tavern.
As she sat up and rubbed her eyes, her phone buzzed.
One glance — and her relaxed expression tensed.
She quickly got up, washed, dressed neatly, and tiptoed down the stairs.
In the kitchen, Zane was already awake, rhythmically chopping vegetables with a precise, steady hand. The sound of the blade striking the cutting board created a calming beat.
He looked so focused — so natural in this environment. Erina felt her breath catch. He was in his element, as if the tavern were his domain, and everything within it responded to his rhythm.
She could watch him like this forever.
For a brief moment, Erina imagined staying here. Leaving Totsuki behind. No longer Nakiri Erina, the Divine Tongue. Just… Erina. The girl who lived in a quiet tavern with the man she admired.
"Snap out of it," she told herself quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She approached slowly.
Zane noticed her and set down the knife, noticing her pale face.
"You're up early. Didn't sleep well?" he asked, reaching up to brush off a speck of flour on her bangs.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she leaned forward and gently pressed her forehead to his chest. Her body trembled ever so slightly.
Zane instinctively wrapped his arms around her.
"You have to go back, huh?" he asked softly.
"Mm." She nodded against his chest. "There's an Elite Ten meeting at noon."
"I don't want to go…" she whispered. "I don't want to leave you."
Her voice cracked. Her pride had long melted away. The arrogant ice queen of Totsuki had vanished, replaced by a girl aching for something real — something warm.
Zane held her tighter. "We'll meet again soon," he said.
"But the Fall Selection is starting," Erina replied, forcing herself to pull back and look into his eyes. "I won't have time to visit. It'll be just like during the residential training… we'll be apart for a long time."
"I understand," Zane said gently. "But you'll do great. You always do."
"Zane… I really… really…"
She choked on her own words.
"Erina." He brushed his hand down her cheek. "No matter what happens, or where you go… I won't forget you."
A fragile smile spread on her lips.
Then, reluctantly, she turned away and left the tavern.
Later That Day – Totsuki Academy
In the shadowed halls of the Totsuki Elite Ten meeting room, the air was thick with summer humidity — and tension.
Rindo barged in with a lazy yawn and snacks in hand.
"Why are we even here?" she groaned. "The Fall Selection is a first-year event. Can't the admin office handle this?"
Kuga entered behind her, arms behind his head. "Seriously. No freshman can match us anyway. Just let 'em fight it out."
Eventually, the room filled. Each Elite Ten member took their seat. When Eishi sat at the center, the meeting officially began.
"Sorry for the sudden notice," Eishi began. "The Director confirmed last night — the Fall Selection is approved to start."
"There are about 400 first-year students who survived the residential training. Based on their scores, professor reviews, and cooking test results, we need to select 60."
Stacks of thick documents were passed around.
Rindo and Kuga both groaned in protest.
Still, they began flipping through the files.
Hours passed.
Finally, the group neared a consensus — until Eizan's voice cut through the calm.
"This student's scores from the Elementary Division are abysmal," he said, holding up Megumi Tadokoro's file. "She should be cut."
Satoshi shook his head.
"She's improved dramatically since then — especially during training. Ask any instructor. She's a dark horse."
"Convenient that she's your dorm mate," Erina interjected sharply. "And so are all the others you recommended. Are you using your seat to push your friends?"
Satoshi shrugged. "Isn't that what you did with Hisako and Mito?"
"They earned their spot with real skill!" Erina snapped.
"Then let's see if they survive the selection," he replied with a grin.
Their eyes locked.
Neither willing to back down.