Oguri Cap sat down at the table, ten steaming bowls of fish-flavored shredded pork rice lined up before her like a culinary challenge. She picked up her spoon and eyed the first bowl.
Despite her reputation as a gourmet, even Oguri Cap had never encountered this particular dish. The shredded pork glistened with a rich glaze, and the aroma—spicy, savory, and subtly sweet—was irresistible.
"Forget it. I can't resist something that smells this good."
She scooped a generous spoonful, blew on it gently, and took a bite.
The flavor exploded in her mouth—just the right amount of heat, layered with a deep umami and a mysterious fish-like aroma that lingered on the palate. Her eyes widened in delight, and without realizing it, she began to eat faster, spoon moving rhythmically from bowl to mouth.
Her expression said it all: pure bliss.
Horse girls still waiting in line watched in awe.
"Senior Oguri Cap looks like she's in heaven…"
"The new chef must be amazing," murmured Air Groove, arms crossed beside Rudolf Symboli.
"Indeed. Oguri Cap eats a lot, but that expression… it's rare."
"Has anyone told you you're not cut out for comedy?" Air Groove muttered, mildly exasperated.
"Haha, maybe. But this chef looks familiar…"
Rudolf squinted at Peach Waves, who was focused on plating bowls with swift, graceful movements.
"She's beautiful. Top-tier among horse girls. But maybe you're just hallucinating from overwork."
Rudolf's eyes twitch at her words.
"Maybe.... Well Let's queue up."
"Right behind you."
Peach Waves worked quickly, placing bowl after bowl at the pickup window. Not everyone was as extreme as Oguri Cap, but the line moved steadily.
Nishino Flower stepped forward, swiped her card, and froze.
"Eh? You're Peach Waves?!"
"Wow, Nishino Flower, you know the new chef?" Urara chimed in from behind.
Peach Waves smiled apologetically.
"Hi～ Sorry, I'm a bit busy. Let's chat after lunch."
"Okay!"
Holding her bowl, Nishino Flower joined Urara and Seiun Sky at a table.
"She's the super beautiful horse girl I told you about."
"Ah… so that's her," murmured Seiun Sky, eyeing Peach Waves curiously.
"Peach Waves, right? I'm Urara. May I get a large portion for Nishino Flower's sake?"
Peach Waves chuckled.
"Pick whichever bowl you like."
Urara scanned the lineup and grabbed one, heading off with Nishino Flower.
While Seiun Sky lingered at the counter.
"Boss, what kind of fish is in this?"
"Oh… there's no fish."
"Huh? But it's called fish-flavored shredded pork!"
"Just try it—you'll see."
"Alright…"
She took a bowl and joined the others.
At their table, the trio dug in.
"Wow～ This rice bowl is amazing! A little spicy, but so good!" Urara exclaimed, rice clinging to her cheek.
"Is it really that good?" Seiun Sky asked, skeptical.
"It tastes like pork, but has this fishy aroma… how?"
"Peach Waves said there's no fish," Nishino Flower replied, puzzled.
"Then how is it so flavorful? Still it's a genius idea."
Nishino Flower nodded, savoring the unique taste.
"I'm goin to get miso soup."
Urara returned with a bowl, each brimming with seaweed, egg, and—surprisingly—whole shrimp.
"… look at all these shrimp!" Nishino Flower gasped.
"She said to serve ourselves, so I got a lot of it for myself," Urara grinned.
"This is way better than the last chef. We used to pay extra for soup."
Seiun Sky took a sip—and winced.
"Sky-chan, what's with that face?"
"I bought two boxes of instant noodles last weekend, thinking I'd avoid the cafeteria…"
"Don't worry. I'll throw them out for you," Nishino Flower said sweetly.
"What?! They're limited edition! At least save one even if you're planning on throwing them!"
"Instant noodles aren't nutritious. You'll thank me later."
"Nishino Flowerr…"
"Fine. I'll treat you to dinner this week."
"Really? Yay!"
Back at the counter, Peach Waves noticed the dwindling stack of bowls and sped up her plating. Just as she placed another bowl, a pair of hands reached out.
When she looked up—it was Rudolf Symbol.
"Good afternoon, President."
"I'll be relying on you in the canteen from now on, Miss Peach Waves."
"Of course. Enjoy your meal."
After Rudolf left, Urara returned.
"Peach Waves, is there any more miso soup?"
"Over there—help yourself."
Urara lifted the lid. The aroma of seaweed and egg wafted out, with plump shrimp floating on top.
"Nice…"
She filled three bowls and returned to the table.
"Soup's here!"
"Thanks!"
"So many shrimp again… Peach Waves is so generous."
"This is great. The old chef charged extra for soup."
Seiun Sky took a cautious sip.
"Still hot… I'll wait."