"Good, at least you're not a coward."
Hearing Megumi Tadokoro's response, Yamagami Buye became very excited, standing up directly from his chair, his eyes filled with fighting spirit as he looked at her.
"Miss Tadokoro, you don't have to entertain his foolishness. He's just like that, a bit single-minded. You just have to say a few words to him."
Hearing that Megumi Tadokoro had agreed to the match, Kitakaede Sono tugged on her sleeve and whispered.
"It's fine. Suddenly having the kitchen you rely on for your livelihood borrowed by an outsider, without knowing their actual skill level—anyone would find that unbearable. It's perfectly normal to want a match. I will prove my skill and let him know that I am worthy of this kitchen."
Megumi Tadokoro's voice wasn't loud, but it was firm and powerful, full of confidence. No matter what, she firmly believed she couldn't possibly lose.
"Alright, then you two can have your match."
Seeing Megumi Tadokoro's suddenly fired-up demeanor, Kitakaede Sono knew she couldn't dissuade her, so she could only sigh and let them compete.
"We'll meet in the kitchen in half an hour. For now, let's go buy the ingredients we each need."
As he spoke, Yamagami Buye casually slung the jacket hanging on his chair over his shoulder, then strode out of the kitchen.
"Okay."
Megumi Tadokoro agreed, then stood in place waiting for Yamagami Buye's back to disappear, leaving only her and Kitakaede Sono at the scene.
"I'm sorry for getting you caught up in this inexplicable trouble. The supermarket isn't far, but it's still easy to get lost if you're not careful. I'll take you there, it'll save some time."
Thinking that this whole affair was started by her childhood friend, Kitakaede Sono instantly wore an embarrassed expression and then took the lead to show the way.
The trouble her childhood friend caused, and she had to be the one to clean up the mess. What a guy who never lets you rest easy. I'll have to give him a good talking-to later!
"Thank you, you're so kind."
Hearing Kitakaede Sono's words, Megumi Tadokoro said, a little touched.
"Don't say that. This happened because I didn't communicate well beforehand. It's my fault too, so it's only right that I take you back."
Hearing Megumi Tadokoro's words, Kitakaede Sono became even more embarrassed, waving her hands quickly like a dog wagging its tail, a blush rising on her face.
In all fairness, she really hadn't done anything worth being thanked for; on the contrary, she had brought her trouble.
As a young genius chef from Totsuki, competing against someone who was once expelled—if it weren't for the fight over the right to use the kitchen, it probably would never have happened in this lifetime.
"Let's go."
"Coming."
Megumi Tadokoro said, jogging to catch up. The two left the inn together and, not long after, appeared at the supermarket.
"There's such a rich variety of loaches here."
Entering the supermarket, the two went straight to the seafood section, where they saw a clearly divided loach specialty area, with each section labeled with the name of that type of loach.
Megumi Tadokoro was momentarily dazzled and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
"This is a famous loach-producing region, after all, so it's normal for there to be a slightly larger variety. Don't be fooled into thinking they're all just loaches; the difference in taste is quite significant."
Standing beside Megumi Tadokoro, looking at the loaches in the various sections with her, Kitakaede Sono began to explain.
"This one here is called the common loach (Ma-dojō). It's distributed in water systems all over Japan. It's relatively small, and its body color is usually yellowish-brown or grayish-brown, with a pale yellow belly. The head is small, and the snout is prominent. The fried loach I cooked for you yesterday was made with this type, but because it's so small, it's quite a hassle to prepare."
Seeing the loach she usually buys, Kitakaede Sono pulled Megumi Tadokoro along and chattered on, her face beaming with excitement and joy.
"And this one, the Japanese funnel loach. It's relatively small and has a slender body. It's an omnivore, often eating small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other animal-based food. It tastes a bit like chicken, tender and smooth with a bit of springiness. The texture is excellent. I highly recommend this one too."
She then pointed to the Japanese funnel loach next to the common loach and continued her introduction: "And the one next to it is the Cloud Snakehead Loach, and the Rice Paddy Eel Loach…"
After the introduction, Megumi Tadokoro gained a basic understanding of the characteristics of the loaches currently sold in the supermarket and then chose to buy the smaller-sized common loach.
She wanted to try something.
Having selected the type of loach, Megumi Tadokoro went to buy some side ingredients she might need, and then returned to the inn with Kitakaede Sono.
At this moment, Yamagami Buye had not yet returned, so they waited and chatted.
After some more time, Yamagami Buye returned to the inn's kitchen carrying two large bags. He glanced at Megumi Tadokoro and said:
"I'll use this stove, you use that one over there. Later, I'll ask Sono to be the judge. Don't worry, whether you win or lose, I will lend you the kitchen. At least you're not a coward, you're worthy of using this kitchen."
Perhaps it was an illusion, but Megumi Tadokoro detected a hint of self-deprecation in Yamagami Buye's words. After he finished speaking, he went about his own business, no longer paying them any attention.
In response, Megumi Tadokoro's expression didn't change. She just silently poured out the freshly bought common loaches and began to remove their bones and entrails.
Although the common loach is very small and can normally be eaten without gutting, doing so would leave a slight fishy taste, affecting the dining experience.
Since it was a competition, every aspect had to be done to the best of her ability. Even a tiny loach had to be prepared to perfection!
She took a basin, poured in the purchased common loaches, and then sprinkled a handful of salt.
Because of the salt, the common loaches began to thrash violently in the basin. After about a few minutes, all the common loaches had gloriously passed away.
"Hah!"
Wielding a small, thin knife, Megumi Tadokoro let out a soft cry. Immediately, the bodies of the common loaches in the iron basin were quickly sliced open, their entrails and bones falling onto the table.
Since it was her first time processing them, Megumi Tadokoro's speed wasn't very fast; it took her a minute to finish one. But as she practiced, her speed visibly increased. A common loach would only be in her hands for a few seconds before it was deboned and gutted into the basin.
On the other side, the loaches Yamagami Buye chose were larger. He skillfully removed the loach's bones and entrails, then cut it into long, thin strips.
Into the pot, blanch, and at the same time add green onions, ginger, and cooking wine to remove the fishiness. After blanching, he used a strainer to scoop them out and set them aside to rest.
Kitakaede Sono watched the two of them work with practiced skill, a curious look on her face, glancing left and right as time slowly ticked by.
"I'm done. Sizzling Oil Loach Slivers. I borrowed the technique from the Shanghai cuisine dish, Sizzling Oil Eel Slivers, combining tender loach slivers with a rich oil sauce, then finishing with a splash of hot oil to bring out the aroma."
Placing the finished dish on the counter, Yamagami Buye looked at Megumi Tadokoro, who had a bowl of batter in front of her and was currently frying tempura.
"Mine is almost ready too. Please enjoy it with the tempura dipping sauce."
Hearing Yamagami Buye's voice, Megumi Tadokoro calmly drained the oil from the loach tempura in the pot, scooped it out, and placed it in front of Kitakaede Sono.
"Sizzling Oil Loach Slivers and Loach Tempura… Honestly, they both look so delicious!"
Looking at the two dishes in front of her, Kitakaede Sono swallowed hard, then picked up her chopsticks and looked them over, but found herself in a predicament, hesitating over which one to eat first.
"Ayano finished his dish first, so let's eat Ayano's first."
After saying this, Kitakaede Sono picked up a mouthful of the Sizzling Oil Loach Slivers and put it directly into her mouth.
"The fresh fragrance of green onions, the pungency of minced garlic, the fresh heat of chili, and the sweetness of sugar are all interwoven, complementing the loach's own tender, fresh flavor. It's wonderful!"
Feeling the rich flavors of the loach slivers on her tongue, Kitakaede Sono closed her eyes, sensing the deeper flavors of the dish spreading and diffusing in her mouth.
The texture was tender and springy, and a light bite allowed all the flavors to bloom. It had to be said, this feeling was truly and utterly satisfying.
"The parts drizzled with hot oil are translucent, the aroma has been perfectly brought out, and it resonates with the fragrances of the other ingredients, becoming exceptionally rich."
Also tasting the Sizzling Oil Loach Slivers, Megumi Tadokoro gave her approval. Overall, it was a complex flavor, fragrant and delicious, a truly top-quality dish!
"Hmph, I've practiced this dish for a long time. It was originally intended to be a specialty dish, but now, for this match, it's making an early debut!"
Seeing Kitakaede Sono's expression, the corners of Yamagami Buye's mouth lifted as he began to explain.
"It is indeed a good dish, probably on the cusp of a first-grade cuisine. But it's not enough. You're still a long way from beating me!"
Megumi Tadokoro was equally confident, pushing her loach tempura forward as she spoke.
"What? I'd like to taste your dish and see if you actually have the right to make such a boast…"
Hearing Megumi Tadokoro's words, Yamagami Buye immediately became a little angry. This was his masterpiece, a genuine first-grade dish.
First-grade chefs generally only appear in famous restaurants, and even first-grade chefs can't necessarily produce a first-grade dish every time.
For ordinary people, a first-grade dish was already the highest standard for a restaurant banquet. But now, it was being so disdained by Megumi Tadokoro.
How could he not be angry!
"Please, have a taste."
Megumi Tadokoro paid no mind to Yamagami Buye's displeasure, simply continuing to push her dish forward, letting him taste it before speaking further.
Seeing this, Yamagami Buye no longer hesitated, picking up the loach tempura and putting it in his mouth. His eyes then widened in utter disbelief.
"This flavor!?"
"Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! The loach has completely absorbed the deliciousness of the sauce, and the moment you bite down, the juices just explode in your mouth!"
Kitakaede Sono covered her mouth, somewhat in disbelief.
The tempura batter on the outside was light, delicate, and crisp, yet the loach inside was incredibly soft and flavorful.
How could these two completely different textures come together in a single dish?!
"It's so unique. This flavor and texture… to think there's such a loach dish. Before this, were you really completely clueless about loach as an ingredient?"
"This is indeed my first attempt. The flavor isn't actually perfectly tuned yet. With a bit more research, it could be improved further."
Looking at Megumi Tadokoro with a complex expression, Yamagami Buye's initial resentment at being looked down upon had now turned into nothing but amazement and respect.
For her to be able to master a completely unfamiliar ingredient and refine it to such a degree in such a short time, she was truly no simple character.
If he had even a slight doubt about Kitakaede Sono's words earlier, that doubt had now completely vanished. She was worthy of the title of genius.
"Outside of my work hours, you can use this kitchen. But I have one request: when you're researching your dishes, I'd like to observe from the side."
Yamagami Buye stated his request directly. Faced with such a genius, he truly wanted to witness her process and see where he fell short.
"Alright, as long as you don't disturb me."
Megumi Tadokoro hesitated for a moment, but ultimately nodded in agreement. After all, she was the one borrowing someone else's kitchen; it would be too much to kick him out and stay herself.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't do something like that!"
Yamagami Buye promised, patting his chest, while Kitakaede Sono smiled at the scene.
Finally, she was seeing this guy show a desire to grow.
Perhaps in the future, he could become a chef who could stand on his own.
"I'll go get some fruit for you guys."
After saying this, Kitakaede Sono jogged out of the kitchen, leaving the two of them looking at each other. The standoff ended with Megumi Tadokoro turning away from the cooking station.
Yamagami Buye stared intently at the cutting board and the pot, not daring to slack off for a single moment in the face of Megumi Tadokoro's extremely practiced movements.
And so, time passed, day by day!
"Thank you for waiting, everyone. For the Summer Selection final, we now welcome our two contestants to the stage."
The large screen in the sky displayed the words 'Summer Selection Final'.
In the blink of an eye, it was time for the final showdown.
The Tsukiten-no-Ma was now packed with people. Not only were all the ticketed seats filled, but even the corridors were crowded with figures, making it difficult to even walk.
This showed just how much attention this Summer Selection final was receiving.
"First to enter is, from a port fishing village—Megumi Tadokoro."
"Next is the mysterious transfer student—Liu Yu."
After a brief introduction of the two contestants, Megumi Tadokoro and Liu Yu entered from their respective tunnels, eliciting a wave of cheers from the audience.
"Go for it, Megumi! You'll definitely succeed!"
"Go! Defeat the transfer student!"
"You're going to win, I believe in you!"
The students around Dylan, the members of the Polar Star Dormitory, were all cheering for Megumi Tadokoro, raising their hands high, their faces filled with passionate expressions.
"Sister Liu, show them the essence of Chinese cuisine!"
"Crush her and display the might of our Dark Cooking Society!"
The group of transfer students was also cheering for Liu Yu, their only hope as the Dark Cooking Society chef who had made it to the finals.
"And now, the Summer Selection final... begins now!"
As Urara Kawashima's voice fell, the venue erupted in cheers. Then, the spotlight hit Satoshi Isshiki, who was now holding a microphone.
"First, let me introduce today's judges…"
"Isshiki-senpai?"
"I almost didn't recognize him with his clothes on."
Looking at Satoshi Isshiki hosting on stage, Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki had surprised expressions, seemingly not expecting that the guy who usually only wore a fundoshi at the Polar Star Dormitory had such a serious side.
"Never mind that, how is Megumi's dish coming along? She came back the day before the match and then locked herself in the kitchen without ever coming out. This is the first time I've seen her since."
Ikumi Mito looked curious, with a hint of urgency.
A week had passed since Megumi Tadokoro left, and she hadn't shown her face. No one knew how her dish was progressing or if it had reached the standard for the competition.
Hearing Ikumi Mito's words, Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki glanced at each other, both showing helpless expressions.
Ever since Megumi Tadokoro returned to Totsuki, she had shut herself in the kitchen and never came out. Not wanting to affect her research, they didn't dare to disturb her. They could only catch a glimpse of her when they passed by while making breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hearing their words, Ikumi Mito looked deflated.
"Let's believe in Megumi. She wouldn't have wasted this past week. No matter who wins or loses this match, it's going to be a spectacular one."
"That's true…"
Dylan's voice chimed in at the right moment. He was sitting in the center of the girls, surrounded by them. He hadn't spoken until now, just silently observing the judges' panel and greeting a certain judge up there.
"First is the head judge, the Director of the institute, Lord Senzaemon Nakiri! Next is the head of the sightseeing department, the general head chef of Totsuki Resort—Gin Dōjima-senpai. And another, the number one person from Totsuki Academy's research department, Nakiri International—Lady Leonora Nakiri!"
Senzaemon Nakiri sat in the middle of the three, in the main seat, with Gin Dōjima on his left and Leonora Nakiri on his right.
Everyone was very familiar with this time's judges.
However, while Dylan was familiar with them, the crowd was completely unfamiliar with the last judge to appear, but that didn't stop them from fawning over her.
Long hair as white as snow, a purple strapless dress, every move exuding a mature charm. At this moment, she was smiling in Dylan's direction.
"What a beautiful person."
"Her skin is so pale."
"Is she Scandinavian?"
All sorts of guesses emerged as everyone curiously sized up this new judge. She was truly an absolute beauty!
"Oh, Mother."
"Eh!?"
Seeing the familiar plump face, Alice Nakiri in the audience was stunned and called out to her mother. Yūki Yoshino next to her was immediately astonished.
But looking closely, there did seem to be a resemblance…
"Lady Leonora is the CEO of Nakiri International, an academic institution that utilizes the latest scientific research for gastronomy and molecular gastronomy. Now, please say hello to everyone."
"Ahem."
As he spoke, Satoshi Isshiki walked forward and handed the microphone in his hand to Leonora Nakiri.
"He-hello everyone. I am Leonora Nakiri. I live in Denmark. I feel being a judge will be difficult, but I will do my best."
Looking at the many spectators below, Leonora Nakiri spoke in clumsy Japanese, her face blushing with a bit of embarrassment, which gave her a unique charm.
"Her Japanese is terrible!"
Yūki Yoshino bluntly complained.
"Well, she lives in Denmark, so it's understandable that her Japanese is poor."
Ryōko Sakaki chimed in to smooth things over.
"Honestly, if you were coming to Japan, you should have told me beforehand, Mother!"
Alice Nakiri complained with dissatisfaction. Her figure had vanished from beside Dylan and reappeared at the judges' panel.
"Wait, Alice, no one is allowed here except for operations staff."
Seeing Alice Nakiri suddenly rush in, Erina Nakiri, who had been on the floor, grabbed her by the shoulder, her face filled with exasperation.
"Yo, Alice, a pleasure to see you. And Erina, a pleasure to you as well. Still trembling with anger all the time, I see."
Watching this scene unfold, Leonora Nakiri couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. Alice Nakiri also covered her mouth and laughed, as if they had returned to their childhood.
"It's all thanks to your daughter!"
Hearing Leonora Nakiri's teasing remark and seeing the two of them snickering, Erina Nakiri's composure instantly shattered. She puffed out her chest and said loudly.
"Little brother Dylan isn't even coming up to say hello to me, even though he's already swept my daughter off her feet."
Looking at Dylan sitting in the audience, Leonora Nakiri's cheeks puffed out slightly, and she then walked back to her seat and sat down.
"Big brother Dylan can't come up right now. Isn't having your daughter here with you enough?"
Alice Nakiri spoke up for Dylan, pretending to be angry while simultaneously using her fists to gently pound on Leonora Nakiri's shoulders, giving her a massage.
"But he's stolen away my adorable daughter. As my son-in-law, shouldn't he come up and say hello?"
Leonora Nakiri said, feigning anger, her gaze fixed on Dylan as if he had committed some heinous crime.
"We see each other at home every day. Is it necessary to get hung up on this moment? Besides, after the competition is over, I'll bring you back with me. Then you can see him and say whatever you want, whenever you want. You'll be the one calling the shots!"
Alice Nakiri was a bit speechless. She didn't understand why her mother was so fixated on this. Isn't it perfectly normal for him not to come up to avoid showing favoritism?
"It's only been a short while and you're already speaking up for your man. You two are so lovey-dovey."
Seeing Alice Nakiri's argumentative appearance, Leonora Nakiri suddenly broke into a smile. It was clear that everything before was just a test.
Alice Nakiri realized it too. The force of her hands pounding on her mother's shoulders increased, her cheeks turning red. Why would she say something like that in front of so many people!
"Now I can rest assured."
So this is what finding true love looks like. It's truly enviable.
She had been a little hesitant about Dylan before, but seeing Alice Nakiri's state right now, she could truly, genuinely feel at ease.
Alice loves Dylan, and Dylan is very good to Alice. If people like them couldn't be together, then there would be no such thing as love in the world.
"Of course, Big brother Dylan and I are very much in love!"
Although she felt shy, at this moment, Alice Nakiri felt it was necessary to declare her feelings. I've successfully won over Big brother Dylan!
"So that means you've already seen his brawny muscles?"
"Of course! Not only seen them, I've already experienced them firsthand. Oh my, what are you making me say? You're such a lewd one!"
The sound of Alice Nakiri and Leonora Nakiri's playful banter was not quiet, causing Erina Nakiri next to them to blush. At the same time, she felt a little envious, envious of how good Alice's relationship was with her mother.
______
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