Erina and Hisako were already seated in the room where all the alumni were gathered.
As soon as Erina sat down, a high-pitched microphone squeal echoed through the room, making her frown.
"Huh? What was that noise?" Erina asked, suspicious.
Hisako looked toward the area where Chef Dōjima was preparing to speak.
"Erina-sama, I think that sound came from the mic system. He's starting to explain the evaluation rules. From what I've heard, we'll have many guests, including suppliers and clients who came to try the dishes for this event."
"Hmm… So that means the audience will be huge?" Erina asked, her voice betraying a touch of impatience.
"Exactly. From what I was told, they invited hundreds… maybe even thousands of people, including suppliers and special clients."
Erina crossed her arms, now more curious, though slightly annoyed by the prospect of such a large jury.
"This is getting interesting… Let's hear what Dōjima has to say."
As the conversation continued, the doors at the back of the hall opened, and a massive crowd began to pour in, bringing the event hall to life. The number of people was so great it seemed impossible to count.
"This is Tōtsuki's group of food suppliers, along with their families. In addition, we have three hundred and twenty-three invited clients, all taking time out of their day to attend the event," Dōjima announced confidently.
Erina, who had been paying close attention, remained silent, though her expression showed a hint of disdain.
"Then, let's begin. The main evaluation criterion is simple: you must serve at least 350 dishes by 9:00 AM. The evaluation starts now!"
The students rushed to prepare their dishes, and the activity in the hall increased even more. The booths were filled with nameplates displaying dish names, and students shouted, trying to draw in guests.
"Hisako!" Erina called, her eyes sharp.
"Where is senpai? Which room is he in?"
Hisako, who had been calmly watching the booths through the big screen, quickly consulted her notes.
"He's in Hall A, Erina-sama."
"Then let's go. I don't want to waste time. Let's see what he's prepared."
"Yes!" Hisako replied, a little surprised by Erina's urgency, but quickly followed her.
The two began walking briskly through the hall, passing booths with elaborate dishes and aromas wafting through the air. The students' conversations and laughter blended with the sounds of utensils clattering.
Erina seemed oblivious to everything around her, her mind focused on a single goal.
"Not to be rude, but…" Erina muttered as she glanced at a dish resembling some kind of porridge being served.
"What do they think they're doing?"
Hisako, sensing her mistress's critical tone, tried to soften the moment.
"Erina-sama, they're just… doing their best."
"Their best? Hmph. If that's their best, I can't wait to see what senpai came up with."
Finally, Erina spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Damian was washing his hands quickly, his expression focused yet calm. His smile looked natural, as if he felt no pressure at all.
Erina paused for a moment, a faint blush rising in her cheeks. She didn't want to admit it, but something inside her felt impatient to see him.
"There he is…" she said softly, more to herself than anyone else.
"It's Damian-senpai!" Hisako exclaimed, noticing Erina's gaze.
Erina didn't respond right away, but began walking quickly toward him.
"Come on, Hisako. It's time to see what he prepared to impress the guests."
"Yes, Erina-sama!" Hisako replied, a bit concerned but equally curious.
When Damian saw the two approaching, a warm smile spread across his face. He seemed surprised, but pleasantly so, to see them in such a hurry.
"Oh, so that's why you're here at the Tōtsuki Resort," Damian said with a cheerful smile, his hands still damp.
"What do you think? Curious about my dish?"
Erina stopped in front of him, her posture still imposing, though her eyes revealed a hint of interest.
"I'm not here just out of curiosity. I want to see if you can actually impress the God Tongue."
Damian let out a soft laugh.
"Well, I hope my dish doesn't disappoint then."
He extended his arm in a theatrical gesture, pointing to the small blackboard beside his cooking station. With a playful grin, he said:
"Hey, Nakiri-san. Take a look. It's all there."
Erina stepped closer, eyebrows furrowed with curiosity. As she read the sign, her expression shifted from surprise to confusion.
"Zuppa di Latte… Crema di Latte… Polenta di Latte… Panna Cotta al Latte? Wait a second…" She counted on her fingers.
"That's four dishes?!"
"Exactly," Damian replied, spinning a wooden spoon between his fingers with practiced precision.
"Four dishes, each one primarily made with milk. I prepared them so that each one connects with the next."
"Four dishes…?" Hisako repeated, eyes wide.
"But that's insane! The test has a time limit! Are you going to prepare all of that by yourself?"
"Me? Of course. I'm the Artisan, remember?" he said, flashing a cocky wink.
"Speed and precision are my trademarks."
Erina crossed her arms, skeptical.
"This is madness… You're betting too much on this."
Damian then grabbed two lemons from a basket nearby and held them up like trophies.
"Anyone want a lemon?"
"What?!" Erina's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You're kidding, right? Who eats raw lemons?!"
"Hmm? I thought you, Nakiri-san—the legendary God Tongue—could handle it."
"I don't eat that! I'm not some crazy soap opera villain!"
Damian tilted his head, pretending to think.
"Oh, so you're saying… this lemon can't be my appetizer?"
"…Are you messing with me?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. But… what if I'm serious? Would you refuse to taste it without trying?"
Erina bit her lower lip, eyes suspicious but intrigued.
"If that's the case… then hand it over. I'll try it."
Hisako gasped, worried.
"Erina-sama, you don't have to go that far!"
But it was too late. Erina took one of the lemons and gave it a small bite. Two seconds passed. Her face twisted in a restrained grimace, and then she glared at Damian.
"That was cruel…"
Damian burst out laughing.
"Nakiri-san is so cute when she's angry."
"Gray-senpai! Quit it with that poisonous tongue of yours!"
"Oh? Was that a compliment?"
"It was not! Wait… what are you even talking about now?!"
"My food."
Those words made both Erina and Hisako fall silent. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Damian took a deep breath, put on his disposable gloves, and stepped up to the large cauldron beside him. Carefully, he reached for the lid.
"Now… pay close attention, girls. This is more than just milk. This is my masterpiece."
"Huh?" Erina raised an eyebrow.
Damian smiled, but this time his tone was more serious.
"Nakiri-san, is your tongue ready?"
"What?"
"To be amazed, of course."
With a precise motion, he lifted the lid of the cauldron. Instantly, an aromatic cloud filled the hall.
The scent was rich, comforting… and unexpectedly refined. It wasn't just milk. It was something more.
Erina staggered a step back, her eyes wide.
"This… is just soup?!"
Damian nodded calmly.
"Zuppa di Latte." Italian peasant soup. Milk slowly heated with stale bread, olive oil, and a touch of Parmigiano-Reggiano. A scent of lost childhood, of the countryside… of the soul."
Hisako murmured:
"It smells like… comfort."
Damian smiled.
"Now for the next: Crema di Latte. Milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Smooth like a spring morning." He placed small cups onto chilled trays, the steam still rising from them.
Erina regained her composure, trying to maintain her posture, though her eyes betrayed her curiosity.
"All of this seems way too simple."
"At first glance. But simplicity is the mask of perfection. Haven't you ever heard the saying: The greatest joys in life lie in the simplest things?" he said, now pouring the Polenta di Latte into deep dishes. The cornmeal, slowly cooked in milk, shimmered with melted butter and slivers of cheese on top.
"This one… looks so creamy," Hisako murmured, fascinated.
"Yeah. A hug on a cold morning. Breakfast for the alpine workers."
Finally, Damian carefully placed small inverted molds of Panna Cotta al Latte on white plates. A delicate red berry sauce slowly dripped over them.
"And to finish," he said ceremoniously.
"A sweet, elegant touch: light as air, but impossible to forget."
Erina said nothing. Her eyes were fixed on the dishes. The initial skepticism had vanished. In its place was anticipation… and a light blush.
Damian looked her in the eyes and said in a softer tone:
"Are you ready to taste it?"
Erina took a deep breath.
"Let's see if you can surprise me."
Damian gave a half-smile.
"Then let me show you what a dedicated chef can do with the flavor of morning."
(End of chapter)
Give me some power stones there you go~😉