Erina carefully observed Damian's movements, not entirely sure how that combination of octopus and strange techniques could possibly turn out well. But as she watched him ask direct questions, point out flaws, and confidently order adjustments, she couldn't help but admit to herself that this senpai was truly impressive.
Erina let out a soft sigh and muttered almost without realizing it:
"No wonder Grandpa speaks so highly of you, Gray-senpai..."
Damian, who was handling some spices, raised an eyebrow, curious:
"Hm? What did you say?"
Erina blushed subtly and looked away, trying to cover it up:
"Oh, it's nothing!" She coughed lightly and tried to change the subject. "Tell me... in your opinion, how much would the flavor improve if I added a broth?"
Damian tilted his head, critically analyzing the dish.
"That depends," he replied. "What kind of broth were you thinking of using?"
"I was considering a bonito broth... or maybe a lighter seafood stock."
Damian gave a slight, confident smile:
"In that case, double the amount."
Erina let out a small sigh of relief. It seemed she was on the right track. Before she could say anything else, Hisako, who had been watching with curious eyes, asked:
"Gray-senpai, what about you? What was the first idea that came to your mind?"
Damian rested his hand on his chin, thoughtful:
"Hmm... I thought of a broth made from seaweed and shiitake mushrooms. Or maybe a light meat broth."
Erina blinked in surprise:
"A meat broth? But... this is a seafood dish! Wouldn't that be strange?"
Damian simply laughed calmly, as if he had already expected that reaction.
"I understand what you mean, Erina. But think about it this way," he pointed to the ingredients laid out on the counter. "This dish can go in two directions. One is to enhance the delicacy and richness of the seafood, highlighting its freshness. The other is to create layers of flavor, blending the depth of the seasonings with the essence of the sea."
He picked up a dried shiitake mushroom and continued:
"The seaweed and mushroom broth, even though it's vegetarian, has a soft and complex umami that blends well without overpowering the octopus's flavor. Meanwhile, a light meat broth can bring a depth that balances the natural sweetness of the seafood, giving the dish more body without making it heavy."
Erina remained silent for a moment, absorbing every word. Her brilliant mind was already starting to calculate combinations and proportions.
"So... if I want to emphasize freshness even more, bonito broth would be ideal," she murmured, thinking out loud, "but if I want to create a richer and more intriguing dish, I should consider these alternative broths..."
Damian nodded, pleased to see her reasoning.
"Exactly. Cooking isn't just about following rules, Erina. It's about understanding the logic of flavors... and having the courage to take risks."
Erina looked at him, once again surprised by how easily Damian could put complex concepts into simple words. A spark of admiration stirred in her chest, though of course, she would never admit it out loud.
Next to her, Hisako simply smiled discreetly, as if she already knew her mistress was being silently influenced by that "different senpai."
Damian continued explaining in his usual calm manner:
"The most important thing is that, since it's a light broth, it softens the spiciness of some stronger seasonings," he said, gesturing gently, "and it also reduces the greasy feeling that the natural oils from seafood can leave behind. It makes the dish more balanced and easier to digest. And the best part..." Damian gave a half-smile. "The freshness of the cumin you wanted to highlight will remain intact."
Erina listened intently, already visualizing the final dish in her mind. Damian then continued without giving any room for doubt:
"As for the meat and bone broth..." he picked up a decorative bone from the counter, using it to support his explanation, "the intense fat and aroma of the meat will overshadow certain seasonings, which can be an advantage. By using a richer broth, you strengthen the body of the dish and better integrate the seafood's freshness with the complexity of the spices."
He stepped forward, lowering his voice slightly, as if sharing a master's secret:
"Moreover, the robust aroma of meat can separate the excessive notes of stronger seasonings and cut through the oily sensation from shellfish, making the true freshness stand out even more."
Erina swallowed hard, completely absorbed. But Damian wasn't done yet.
"And white wine..." he continued. "When cooking mussels, for example, it's a classic trick: a bit of white wine early in the process enhances the flavor and eliminates any fishy smell. It gives the dish a touch of elegance." He smiled. "If you add a dash of white wine to the broth while it's boiling, it won't just intensify the aroma; it'll also create an extra layer of complexity in the flavor."
Amazed, Erina couldn't help but blurt out:
"Gray-senpai... Your analysis is so complete... You're truly showing the best way to improve the recipe, aren't you?"
Damian chuckled casually and replied:
"Nah, I'm not stealing all the spotlight... not yet, anyway."
Hisako couldn't hold back a giggle, covering her mouth. Damian's easygoing presence was both powerful and very welcoming.
"This senpai..." Hisako thought, smiling to herself. "He's so talented, yet so humble and kind..."
Erina took a deep breath, feeling more relaxed, and asked, still curious:
"Gray-senpai, can you tell me... how did you come up with this combination?"
Damian scratched his head, as if it was obvious:
"How?" He laughed. "I just... thought it would taste better that way. So I imagined it and built it up."
"Huh?!" Erina and Hisako exclaimed in unison.
Damian laughed at their shock.
"I'm serious!" he said. "Cooking, at the end of the day, is like that. Before any technique, before any concept... a dish has to feel delicious to the person creating it. If you believe it can be amazing, then you use your skills to make it real."
He crossed his arms, finishing with a charming simplicity:
"If I think it'll be delicious, that's good enough, right?"
Erina stared at Damian for a few seconds and then, without even realizing it, broke into a genuine smile:
"Gray-senpai... I really don't know what kind of person you are."
Damian smiled back and, without missing a beat, joked:
"You don't know? Then let me introduce myself properly."
Both Erina and Hisako leaned forward slightly, curious.
Damian struck a dramatic pose and said warmly:
"Damian Gray. Born and raised in Napolis, Italy. Extremely handsome, no weird hobbies, a man of many interests... and of course, single and with no relationship history."
The two stood frozen for a moment—and then burst into laughter. Erina, cheeks lightly flushed, said between giggles:
"That sounds more like a dating profile than an introduction!"
"So what?" Damian shrugged, smiling. "You said you didn't know what kind of person I am. I'm just being honest!"
"Hmph, seriously..." Erina rolled her eyes, still smiling. "You're much more... approachable than I imagined."
Damian tilted his head slightly.
"I could say the same. After all, you are..."
He paused dramatically, giving Erina a teasing smile.
"The famous 'God Tongue,' right?"
"That's..." Erina hesitated, unsure of what to say.
"After all," Damian continued casually, "we're at a resort at night, and you brought your secretary to stop a very handsome young man from being alone with her." He winked at Hisako, who almost exploded from embarrassment.
Hisako covered her mouth, giggling softly, while Erina, completely red, shouted:
"Don't say it like I'm scheming something bad, Gray-senpai! Seriously!"
Damian laughed lightly.
"Relax, Nakiri-san. Besides..." his tone grew a bit more serious, "with your skills, you have everything it takes to become part of the Elite Ten soon."
Erina calmed down and replied with a confident smile:
"And you, Gray-senpai? Are you aiming for the Elite Ten?"
Damian smiled lightly, relaxed:
"I have that plan, sure. But I also want to enjoy my first year. You know... The Elite Ten has to deal with a lot of paperwork. Way too boring."
Hisako's eyes widened in shock:
"But... Gray-senpai! Every other student would give anything to get a spot in the Elite Ten! It's a symbol of prestige!"
Damian shrugged, unconcerned:
"I know. It's an important title. But... think about it: if I want to prove my strength, do I necessarily need a spot in the Elite Ten? Or... is my strength real even without it?"
Erina and Hisako exchanged surprised glances.
Damian went on:
"A title is just that... a title. Even if I become First Seat, that doesn't mean my strength is limited to it. Being Second or Third Seat doesn't define someone as 'weaker' either. Life is long; the world is huge. You can't be stuck on a number."
He smiled calmly, as if he could already see far beyond that place.
"In the future, if someone says, 'Oh, he's the chef from that incredible restaurant that's always featured in magazines!', that's what will matter. Maybe they'll remember I was part of the Elite Ten... but it'll just be another detail."
Erina and Hisako stared at him, as if they were seeing a mountain they had never noticed before.
Then Damian gave a mischievous smile:
"But of course, using the title as a stepping stone isn't bad either."
Erina let out a long sigh.
"Gray-senpai... You really are someone hard to understand. Very different from the others."
With a light, playful expression, Damian gently tapped Erina's forehead with his finger, leaving her and Hisako completely flustered.
"Because I'm me," he said with a gentle smile. "I'm not interested in being like everyone else. Cooking is an infinite world. There's always something new to learn, Nakiri-san."
He stepped away casually, waving as he said:
"Ah, and I don't want to disturb your rest. You should head to bed soon. Who knows, there might be a surprise test tomorrow. Good night!"
Erina and Hisako remained there, standing still, watching Damian's figure disappear down the corridor. A faint smile bloomed on Erina's face.
(End of Chapter)
Give me some power stones there you go~😉
It's so good to be back... So much going on has destroyed my personal schedule hehehe