"Alice Nakiri."
Just as Alice's mind was wandering, a slightly deep male voice sounded beside her. Turning her head, she saw it was Ryo Kurokiba.
He found that the person who came was Ryo Kurokiba.
"Kurokiba, what are you doing here?""
Seeing Ryo Kurokiba, Alice Nakiri was startled, feeling a bit guilty, as if she had been caught doing something wrong. Then she looked left and right, and breathed a sigh of relief when she found he was alone. It was a good thing more people hadn't seen her in this embarrassing state.
"Of course I'm buying ingredients for tomorrow's match. What about you? Why are you here?"
Ryo Kurokiba looked at Alice Nakiri as if she were an idiot, then asked his question.
"Buying dinner. It's my turn to cook tonight. I remember the theme for the third round is cold dishes, right? Don't tell me you plan to use fish to make a cold dish?""
Alice Nakiri was a little surprised.
"To be precise, it's sashimi."
Ryo Kurokiba didn't hide his culinary plans. He scanned the surrounding stalls selling fish, shrimp, and crab, then shook his head in disappointment.
"The goods here aren't particularly fresh. Even the live ones look sickly and the quality isn't very good. I'm going to find another place. I'll be leaving now."
With that, Ryo Kurokiba paid Alice Nakiri no more mind and left in a hurry.
He had actually pre-ordered seafood from a supplier, but he wasn't satisfied with the goods they sent. So he had come to the seafood market himself, hoping to see if there was anything better he could use for tomorrow's match.
Although his opponent was just an unknown little girl, she was, after all, a student taught by Master Dylan, so she definitely wouldn't be as simple as she looked.
To give it his all, to fight and win, to have a culinary showdown with no regrets—that was his mindset.
"In such a hurry? But should I say this guy is dedicated, or just inflexible? After all these years, he's still stuck on seafood dishes, not trying anything else."
Watching Ryo Kurokiba's retreating figure, Alice Nakiri muttered to herself.
He was clearly the type to 'focus on one point and achieve mastery,' but excessive focus could easily lead to stagnation.
Only by constantly innovating, by learning other types of cuisine to complete one's own culinary core, can one make continuous and steady progress.
Just like her. Although her specialty was molecular gastronomy, she also dabbled in other types of cuisine, seeking inspiration from them to perfect her own craft.
But someone like Ryo Kurokiba, who was stuck in his ways, devoted to one type of cuisine without touching others...
Although he might show astonishing potential in that one area, as soon as the theme changed, his true colors would show, and he wouldn't be of much use.
"I should remind him next time we meet."
As someone who had competed with her since childhood, she didn't want to see him stagnate, or even walk down the wrong path with no way back.
"The oysters here look pretty good, too. They're large and plump, you can tell they're juicy. I'll make some garlic-steamed oysters for Brother Dylan tonight to replenish his strength!"
Looking at the oysters the vendor had opened for display at the stall, each one round and plump, just looking at them was enough to stir one's appetite and make you want to feast.
"And some chives…"
Private cinema.
Dylan and Sonoka Kikuchi sat on a comfortable leather sofa. The young woman leaned against the young man, somewhat afraid to look directly at the scary scene playing out before them.
That's right, the two were watching a horror movie.
The dark environment, the quiet atmosphere, and the startling horror scenes were truly frightening Sonoka Kikuchi. Her heart was pounding wildly. If Dylan wasn't there with her, she would have wanted to turn and run immediately.
"Aah!"
Seeing a ghost face suddenly appear on the screen, Sonoka Kikuchi let out a scream and buried her face in Dylan's chest, refusing to come out for a long time.
"Alright, alright. It's all fake stuff. Besides, I'm here with you. There's no need to be so scared."
As he spoke, he reached out and gently patted Sonoka Kikuchi's shoulder. Feeling the soft body in his arms, the young man couldn't help but feel a little stirred.
He had long guessed she might be scared, which was why he brought Sonoka Kikuchi to see this newly released horror film—to get closer and deepen their bond!
A fragrant young woman desperately burrowing into your arms out of fear, even seeking protection in a sweet, utterly charming voice…
Who could resist that!
"Master Dylan is so mean. You knew I was afraid of this, yet you still brought me to see it…"
How could she not understand his intentions?
Hearing Dylan's comforting words, Sonoka Kikuchi's cheeks puffed out slightly, and her finger traced circles on his body, seemingly complaining but actually being coy.
Without a doubt, this was just a small trick for them to deepen their affection as a couple.
"But I'm here with you, aren't I? If you're scared to look, just close your eyes and sleep for a bit. I'll wake you when it's over."
He twitched his nose. A faint fragrance lingered in the air—it was Sonoka Kikuchi's natural scent, or perhaps the smell of her shampoo.
For her date with Dylan, Sonoka Kikuchi had gotten dressed up after her shower and even put on perfume, all to completely captivate him.
Feeling his hand moving through the ends of her hair, Sonoka Kikuchi knew she had succeeded.
Although the movie was scary, it was still within her tolerance. It was only because Dylan was by her side that she acted so frightened.
So what if she was a little crafty?
Doesn't that just make her cuter?
They cuddled tenderly for a good while. After the movie ended, the two walked back hand in hand.
Alice Nakiri had prepared dinner at home. She had told them yesterday she would show off her skills, telling them not to eat out and to be sure to come home.
In a way, this was also an acknowledgment of Sonoka Kikuchi's status. Alice Nakiri had genuinely accepted her, treating her as a member of the family.
Before long, the two arrived home. As soon as they reached the door, they smelled an enticing aroma wafting from the house, making them swallow involuntarily.
"What a wonderful smell! Has Alice's cooking improved again? This feels beyond Special Grade level."
Her voice held a hint of wonder. As Dylan opened the door, an even richer fragrance rushed out to meet them, and the young woman couldn't help but lick her lips.
"Her improvement is quite obvious, especially during this time at Totsuki. Perhaps it's a case of accumulated effort finally paying off. Although she rarely competes, she's still improving at an astonishing rate. She's already at the level of a Two-Star Special Grade chef."
Thinking of Alice Nakiri, a smile appeared on Dylan's face.
Although she hadn't gone to China for the examination to get her stars, her current skill was genuinely that of a Two-Star Special Grade. Her progress could be described as meteoric.
"Two-Star Special Grade?!"
Sonoka Kikuchi exclaimed. Although she was mentally prepared, her heart still couldn't help but skip a beat when she heard Dylan's words.
You have to remember, Alice Nakiri was only fifteen years old. A Two-Star Special Grade chef this young… there were probably only a few in the entire world.
Even she herself had only just entered the ranks of Special Grade and was still some distance from One-Star!
"Let's go taste her cooking."
"Yeah."
As he spoke, Dylan took Sonoka Kikuchi's hand and led her into the house.
Soon, they saw a table full of sumptuous delicacies, and Alice in an apron, busy in the kitchen.
"You're both back! The food is just about ready. Wash your hands and you can eat."
Seeing the two appear in the living room, Alice Nakiri greeted them with a smile, then told them to go to the kitchen to wash their hands and take their seats.
"How wifely."
Witnessing this scene, Sonoka Kikuchi couldn't help but sigh in admiration. Hearing her words, the corners of Alice Nakiri's mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.
Before long, Alice Nakiri brought out the last dish. Her gaze fell on Dylan and Sonoka Kikuchi, who were already seated, and she noticed neither of them had touched their chopsticks, apparently waiting for her.
"Sorry for the wait. Let's eat."
Although it was just a small detail, it showed respect. Alice Nakiri picked up the chopsticks already prepared on the table, put her hands together, closed her eyes, and said softly, "Time to eat."
Dylan and Sonoka Kikuchi did the same, and then they began to enjoy the delicious feast.
"Mm! This Stir-fried Eel with Hot Oil is amazing! And this, the Cumin-Roasted Celery Lamb Chops, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the perfect fat-to-lean ratio. One bite is super satisfying! And also, this oily, smoky…."
Sonoka Kikuchi chattered on as she ate, providing the ultimate emotional validation. At the very least, the smile never left Alice Nakiri's lips.
"If you like it, eat more, Sister Sonoka."
As she spoke, Alice Nakiri took the initiative to serve Sonoka Kikuchi some food. No one dislikes a flatterer, and she was no exception.
Beside them, Dylan watched this harmonious scene, feeling quite pleased.
Both of these women were his lovers. Seeing them get along so peacefully was a great blessing, as the thing he feared most was domestic discord.
Dinner that night lasted for a long time. The three of them chatted and ate, eating a lot. Laughter was constant, and the atmosphere was as good as it could be.
"It's getting late. We should probably go to sleep, otherwise we might not be able to get up tomorrow. It's Megumi and Kurokiba's match tomorrow."
Checking the time, Dylan clapped his hands, interrupting their chat.
Alice didn't really care, but as a judge tomorrow, Sonoka Kikuchi couldn't afford to sleep in. Resting early was the best outcome for her.
"Going to sleep at only eight o'clock…"
Looking at the clock on the wall, Alice Nakiri, who was in high spirits from chatting, was about to say something, but then she seemed to suddenly remember something and closed her mouth.
"Mm, then we'll go back to our room first."
Sonoka Kikuchi was also blushing, but she still took the hand Dylan offered. She had been wanting to do this for a very long time.
This kind of thing, especially with someone you love, makes you easily crave more.
So on every night without Dylan, she would hug a pillow with his picture on it, softly calling his name, and then take care of herself.
"Go on, go on. I'll clean up and then go to bed, too. Just keep it down tonight, don't disturb me."
As Alice Nakiri's voice fell, Dylan didn't reply. He had already stepped forward and swept Sonoka Kikuchi into his arms, then strode back to the room.
"Hmph, he's never this eager with me. Looks like I'll have to try a different outfit next time!"
Watching the eager Dylan, Alice Nakiri couldn't help but pout, her mind already pondering Dylan's preferences, thinking about what kind of outfit would get him more excited.
On the other side, Dylan tossed Sonoka Kikuchi onto the bed and lay down on top of her, taking deep breaths of her scent.
"Did you wear perfume?"
"Mhm, and I'm wearing black stockings under my pants."
Her fingers gently tapped on her pant leg, revealing a section of black stocking. Seeing this, the young man licked his lips, got off her, and then sat at the edge of the bed, taking her foot in his arms and gently playing with it.
"I remember you weren't wearing boots when you went out. Why do your feet not only not stink, but also have a faint lemon scent?"
"Because I put dried lemon slices under the insoles. You… don't you like it? I thought this might make you a little happier."
Looking at the impassive Dylan not far away, Sonoka Kikuchi's face flushed slightly, and she didn't dare to meet his gaze. The sound of her racing heart was exceptionally clear in the room, and the ambiguous atmosphere was gradually intensifying.
"It does make me very happy. The faint lemon scent mixed with foot sweat creates a complex aroma. It's truly wonderful!"
Dylan said with a hint of intoxication.
"As long as you like it. Then everything I did was worth it!"
"Ah!"
As Dylan spoke, his fingers moved slightly, and he actually started giving Sonoka Kikuchi a foot massage through her stockings, making her cry out at once.
"As is tradition, I'll help you relax your body first, and then we'll proceed to the next step. I have to say, your body is incredibly stiff."
Dylan frowned as he spoke, then increased the pressure in his hands, and Sonoka Kikuchi's cries became even more intense, making Alice Nakiri outside press her ear against the door.
"Are these two playing so rough? What on earth are they doing in there, to be screaming so loudly…?"
Alice's face was exceptionally red. She stood at the door listening for a while before leaving, thinking to herself that she needed to work harder in the future. At least she had never gotten Dylan this excited. She would have to ask about it later.
Inside the room, Dylan's hand reluctantly moved away from her foot, then traveled upward, skillfully helping her relax her back, waist, and hips.
Although this wasn't the first time Sonoka Kikuchi had experienced this service, she still couldn't help but let out soft moans, a dazed look appearing in her eyes.
"After you're done with me, let me give you a massage, too."
"Sure."
Hearing Sonoka Kikuchi's somewhat quiet words, Dylan readily agreed.
"Why don't you let me help you first, and then you can continue later. We have plenty of time, anyway."
A feeling of comfort spread through her body, and Sonoka Kikuchi's face was full of enjoyment. She then made a suggestion to Dylan, who was massaging her, her eyes filled with eagerness.
"How do you want to massage me?""
"I learned a new technique online. I don't know if you'll like it. Turn around."
"Mhm."
Looking at Dylan, who had turned around, Sonoka Kikuchi's fingers lightly touched his body, feeling the incredibly firm muscles. She took a deep breath.
Then she took out a small bottle, her eyes filled with a bit of excitement. She opened the lid of the bottle and watched as the liquid slowly fell.
The next moment, Dylan only felt something cold and cool pressing against him.
"Master Dylan, be proud of me!"
Looking at the finished dish before her, Megumi Tadokoro cheered excitedly. After a week of hard work, she had finally created a Quasi-Special Grade Cuisine!
Although her success rate was only one in five, it was still very good.
And success depended on the mastery of details and the freshness of the ingredients. If the details were controlled well and the ingredients were fresh enough, it even had the potential to become a Special Grade dish!
"I've done everything I can. The rest depends on my condition tomorrow. I should get some rest early tonight."
With that thought, Megumi Tadokoro returned to her room.
After finding a change of clothes, she went downstairs to the bathroom without delay, drew a bath, soaked, blew her hair dry, and after completely relaxing, she quickly fell asleep.
"Megumi Tadokoro, after I defeat you, I can advance to the semi-finals, and then the finals. As long as I become number one, there will definitely be a spot for me on the trip to China!"
Thinking of what Dylan had said when the list was announced, a fiery glint flashed in Ryo Kurokiba's eyes. This could be his chance to become a Special Grade chef!
A year ago, he had participated in Japan's Special Grade Chef examination, but unfortunately, he only managed to get third place in the end, still a considerable distance from obtaining the Special Grade insignia.
"It's about time to rest. I really didn't expect to be able to buy such fresh ingredients so far from the coast."
Looking at the live Butter Crab and Botan Shrimp in the water tank, a smile appeared on Ryo Kurokiba's face.
He hadn't expected to find such a rare item in the market. Although the price was steep, he bought it without batting an eye.
The Butter Crab is the result of a natural mutation in mud crabs. During the hot summer spawning season, the mature roe in the crab is stimulated by the high temperature, causing the roe to break down into golden oil that then permeates every part of the crab's body, filling the entire crab with buttery goodness.
Because the season is short and the supply is low, it is extremely precious.
Of course, a more important reason is that its place of origin is China, making the price to ship it to Japan very high. This was the real reason he was able to snag such a deal.
Ordinary people rarely buy such expensive ingredients.
As for the shrimp, he chose Botan Shrimp. Its meat is tender, plump in texture, and very elastic. Upon entering the mouth, you can taste a fresh and sweet flavor with a long-lasting aftertaste.
Of course, the most important thing is that now is the peak season for Botan Shrimp, so both the quality and quantity are better than at other times.
With such a huge advantage in ingredients, Ryo Kurokiba didn't know how he could possibly lose.
No matter what, Megumi Tadokoro didn't have a single shred of a chance to win!
The next day.
Tsukiten-no-Ma.
Ryo Kurokiba pushed a cart to the judges' table, then distributed the dish to each judge, his face showing a hint of wildness.
"Hurry up and eat! Respected seniors!"
At this moment, Ryo Kurokiba was wearing his red bandana, in full-throttle mode. He stared at the judges before him, an exaggerated smile on his face, his attitude bordering on arrogant.
"So the bandana is his true form."
Taki Tsunozaki muttered. Before putting on the bandana, Ryo Kurokiba had behaved normally, but after putting it on, the kid became unbelievably arrogant.
"Botan Shrimp Sashimi? This does indeed count as a cold dish. In any case, let's have a taste."
Gin Dōjima spoke softly, then turned his gaze to the dish before him.
The dish was currently emitting a bone-chilling cold air. The thinly sliced Botan Shrimp lay quietly on a bed of ice. A drone flew to the judges' table, showing a close-up of the dish in front of Gin Dōjima.
____
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