"Since the dish you're making is a pastry, I'll also respond with a pastry!"
Looking at Hana-hime busy at the counter, Hoshino Sora made up his mind. His full day of learning from Akikubo Momo wasn't for nothing; he had gained many useful experiences from it.
With that, Hoshino Sora sprang into action. He planned to make a type of fried pastry. The method and ingredients were simple; the challenge lay in knife skills and controlling the oil temperature.
Simply put, it involved wrapping a dough with oil pastry, then making cuts of varying sizes on the surface with a knife, and deep-frying it. This would make the dough bloom like a chrysanthemum, forming the so-called "Chrysanthemum Cake."
However, a pastry made this way would be too simple. While the texture would be rich and varied, the flavor layers would only be dough and lard. It would be fine as a decoration for some precious pastries, but as a dish for a cooking competition, it would appear too crude.
So he needed to improve it, not with major changes, but by adding one detail, such as adding red bean paste to the center, where the stamens would be, and incorporating chopped chrysanthemum petals into the red bean paste.
Thinking it, he did it. Hoshino Sora quickly processed the red bean paste. The first step was to soak red beans, remove impurities, then boil them until cooked, and set them aside for later use.
In addition, he would also use white sugar and chrysanthemum petals. By adding a small amount of white sugar to the cooked red beans and mashing them into a paste, then adding chopped chrysanthemum petals, Hoshino Sora obtained a chrysanthemum red bean paste.
Afterward, he set it aside and began preparing the oil pastry. The method for oil pastry was even simpler; the easiest way to obtain it was to mix lard and flour.
Once both were ready, Hoshino Sora skillfully wrapped the red bean paste filling in the oil pastry, then coated it with a layer of special dough, rolling it into a spherical shape with his palm.
Afterward, he lightly scored the top half with a knife, leaving the bottom half intact. Soon, a bud-like chrysanthemum pastry, ready to bloom when fried, was complete.
Following the same method, Hoshino Sora made over twenty of them, each with a different color. The principle was that he added different colored vegetable juices to the dough, using vegetable juice as a natural coloring agent.
Because chrysanthemums do not only come in yellow, and their colors and forms vary depending on the species, there is the saying of them vying for beauty with various colors.
After completing the flower bud production, the next step was to make it bloom. Cold oil was added to the pot, and the "Chrysanthemum Cake" was deep-fried at a low oil temperature so that it would heat evenly and bloom perfectly.
With his eyes closed and ears slightly twitching, the gradually heating oil made the Chrysanthemum Cake sizzle. When the time was right, Hoshino Sora suddenly lifted the slotted spoon.
Thus, a "Chrysanthemum Cake" shaped like a chrysanthemum was completed.
Placing one "Chrysanthemum Cake" after another onto a baked pastry crust, a magnificent chrysanthemum pastry made a grand appearance, with a perfect aesthetic score. The only question was how it tasted.
"Come and try it."
Bringing the steaming hot dish to the dining table, Hoshino Sora looked at the girls peeking from outside the kitchen and waved to them with a smile. Seeing this, the girls immediately walked in.
"So beautiful, just like real chrysanthemums!"
Looking at the pastry in front of her, which resembled a chrysanthemum, had the color of a chrysanthemum, and held its shape, Tadokoro Megumi's eyes glowed faintly. Then she carefully took a purple chrysanthemum and held it in her hand.
Because it was deep-fried and very thin, it would break with just a little force. Looking at the slightly broken Chrysanthemum Cake in her hand, Tadokoro Megumi's eyes were filled with tenderness.
As for the taste.
"The layers are distinct, the red bean paste as the filling is dense yet chewy. There are chrysanthemum petals added to it, right?"
Erina Nakiri chose a yellow "Chrysanthemum Cake." The first taste was a rich flour aroma, with distinct layers.
The core revealed the sweet fragrance of chrysanthemum, and the delicate texture of red bean paste intertwined with chrysanthemum petals soaked in syrup, providing a subtle texture within the delicacy.
Although adding chrysanthemum petals to red bean paste was somewhat unconventional, it wasn't unpalatable. It was like various chaotic ideas intertwined, ultimately forming a strange fusion.
Tasting this, Erina Nakiri's lips curved slightly upwards. Although it was strange, wasn't it also quite interesting? At least her tongue didn't reject it.
"That's right, crispy, dense, and refreshing. I wanted a pastry to have three textures at once, so I made some improvements."
Hearing Erina's words, Hoshino Sora spoke eloquently. Although it only added one texture, this was undoubtedly a huge improvement for the entire dish.
"So crispy."
Placing her hand below her mouth, Alice marveled at Hoshino Sora's skill, a blissful expression on her face.
"As expected of Sora."
"There's a clear fragrance of Chrysanthemum."
For a moment, the kitchen was filled with praises, because Hoshino Sora's skill was truly good; even though he rarely made pastries, he could still create flavors that couldn't be found elsewhere.
Until...
"Yours is too formalistic, showy but impractical, good-looking but fragile, and difficult to taste.
It looks pretty good on the outside, very similar to a Chrysanthemum, and is suitable as a decoration for dessert plating, but the problem is also very obvious: it focuses too much on appearance.
Although some changes were made to the inner core to make it more flavorful and richer in taste, its role is ultimately just decoration, only able to be part of a certain dish.
Coincidentally, I also made Chrysanthemum Cake; you can try it and see what the difference is?"
Tasting Hoshino Sora's Chrysanthemum Cake, which could completely become a supporting role for another dish if the red bean paste filling was removed and sauce poured over it, but if one wanted it to be the main character, it was somewhat inherently lacking.
Donning thick heat-resistant gloves, Hana-hime turned back to open the oven.
The next moment, a rich aroma poured out, transforming into a golden flower in Hoshino Sora's vision, easily blocking the long stream of aroma he had painstakingly created.
"Gulp."
Just the diffusion of the aroma made everyone around salivate, their breathing becoming slightly hurried, their gaze fixed on the dish Hana-hime brought out, revealing a strong desire.
——————
"I wonder how those little ones are doing? You still have the leisure to eat, why don't you go check on them?"
Looking at Hoshino Tani Ren, who was sitting very poorly beside her, Hoshino Yurika couldn't help but scold him. Was Hoshino Sora really his son? Why did this guy look so unconcerned…
"I'm starving, so I definitely have to eat first.
Moreover, with Hana-hime Senior's strength, there's no suspense about the outcome of this match. I just don't know why Hana-hime Senior wants to compete with Sora; I hope this is a good thing."
Looking at the dazzling array of delicacies on the table, Hoshino Tani Ren's eyes revealed profundity. Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes, and there was no need for him to interfere too much; he would just let them be.
Weno Grandma, who was beside him, nodded without speaking after hearing his words. At this moment, she was holding a cup of hot tea in her hand, gazing at the moon in the sky, a faint light shining in her cloudy eyes.
——————
"Ah~ How could this be!"
Clutching their chests, Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri let out cries of bliss, their clothes mysteriously bursting open into scraps after eating the dish, and both of them collapsed to the ground with weak legs due to the powerful impact of the cuisine.
Fortunately, he was the only man present, otherwise his wives' innocence would have been compromised, even though only their outer garments exploded.
While feeling relieved, Hoshino Sora also understood that these two were not incapable of clothes-bursting; rather, his cooking hadn't reached the level to make them burst their clothes…
Thinking of this, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
"What's going on?" Seeing the two with torn clothes, Ya Xiang and Rika, who didn't understand the situation, exclaimed.
"It appeared!"
"The Nakitiri Family's unique clothes-bursting!" Tadokoro Megumi and Shiina Mahiru exchanged glances, answering Ya Xiang and Rika's confusion.
"Speaking of which, this is the first time I've seen Erina and Alice burst their clothes. The Nakitiri Family women's tolerance for clothes-bursting is ten times that of the men. How delicious is this Chrysanthemum Cake?!"
Mito Ikumi's voice was filled with disbelief. Although all Nakitiri Family members could burst their clothes, making a Nakitiri Family woman burst her clothes was ten times harder than making a Nakitiri Family man burst his.
In Far Moon's history, the chefs who could make Nakitiri Family women burst their clothes were truly few and far between!
"Erina-sama!"
Looking at Erina Nakiri with her torn clothes, Hisako immediately stepped forward, took off her jacket, and draped it over her, while also glaring at Hoshino Sora. This guy was really something; in such a situation, he didn't even turn away to avoid suspicion.
She wanted to complain but didn't know where to start, so she could only turn to Erina Nakiri, only to find that aside from her flushed face, she didn't react much.
After all, only the outer clothes burst; her leggings and such were still left on her, and Hoshino Sora had already seen deeper things. Since everyone around them was female, Erina Nakiri didn't experience significant emotional fluctuations.
However, the shame was real shame, a feeling of social death.
She subtly glanced at Hoshino Sora, who was currently draping clothes over Alice, then turned her gaze to the Chrysanthemum pastry in front of her, her eyes trembling faintly, before closing them and recalling the taste she had just experienced.
Fresh and rich, so flaky it melted in the mouth, the hawthorn filling had a unique flavor, and honey was mixed in—or rather, Chrysanthemum honey, as there was a very strong Chrysanthemum flavor.
"The hawthorn is tart with a slight sweetness, and combined with this sweet Chrysanthemum honey, the two harmonize and complement each other perfectly, undoubtedly the best of the best!"
With praise in her voice, Yumeko Jabami's face showed enjoyment, then she looked at Hana-hime with fervent eyes: "Hana-hime Senior, could you also compete with me once?"
"Let's schedule it for tomorrow." Hana-hime didn't refuse, but only looked at Hoshino Sora.
By this point, everyone understood who had won in the end. Although Hoshino Sora didn't want to admit it, Hana-hime's cooking was indeed much stronger than his, and…
It had reached the gold rank.
[Analysis Cuisine]: Chrysanthemum Cake · Flower
[Quality]: Gold
[Analysis 31%]: The ingredients for the dish are flour, lard, hawthorn, Chrysanthemum honey…
Listening to the system prompt in his mind, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but feel a little confused. He had watched Hana-hime Senior's cooking process the entire time, confident that he hadn't missed a single step.
However, why was it that seemingly ordinary steps could result in a gold-grade delicacy? This wasn't scientific!
Closing his eyes and tasting Hana-hime's dish, the Gourmet Cells in his body vibrated violently, and his Chef's Heart began to work, actively analyzing the dish.
There were no major problems with the preparation method, so where was the problem?
Patience, concentrating on savoring Hana-hime Senior's cooking, Hoshino Sora fell silent for a moment, wondering which step caused this dish to transform into a gold rank.
"You're staying here for a week, right?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, whose expression was puzzled and whose brows were slightly furrowed, Hana-hime suddenly asked.
"Yes, we're training here for a week." Hoshino Sora nodded, saying nonchalantly.
"Then starting tomorrow, you'll study with me." Looking at Hoshino Sora's somewhat familiar face, Hana-hime suddenly spoke, and this sentence made the young man pause, somewhat confused.
"What? Do you look down on me?"
With a raised eyebrow and a hint of indignation in her voice, Hana-hime walked up to Hoshino Sora. Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was a head and a half taller than her, her aura didn't drop a bit.
"How could that be? I just didn't react suddenly. I'm willing to learn with you."
Although he didn't know what the situation was, learning from such a master would definitely be good. Hoshino Sora nodded like a pecking chick, a faint excitement appearing on his face.
The other party was very likely a competitor of Mao Jinyu's level, and Hoshino Sora was still enjoying the benefits brought by Mao Jinyu's teaching.
"Then come tomorrow. I remember there's a small kitchen in the corner of the courtyard."
Nodding, Hana-hime finished speaking and prepared to leave. Before leaving, her gaze turned to Yumeko Jabami: "You also come along tomorrow. You're the first to dare challenge me directly."
With that, Hana-hime left the kitchen, and Hoshino Sora was surrounded by girls. Everyone's gaze was on his face, first silent, then chattering.
"It's a pity only three portions were made. I really want to taste that Chrysanthemum Cake, Hoshino-kun, when you learn it, make some for us."
"Do you know that senior?"
"Exactly, why does she look so fond of you?"
"Could it be that she's taken a liking to you?"
"What are you talking about? Even if she's taken a liking to me, it should be for my cooking. Things aren't as complicated as you think. We'll know what's going on tomorrow."
Hearing Ya Xiang's slightly worried words, Hoshino Sora hurriedly waved his hand in denial. What was all this? They were an elder, how could she have thoughts about him?
Tomorrow, he must ask clearly what method is needed to make a dish reach the gold rank.
Thinking of this, Hoshino Sora's face was filled with drive.
"Sora, it's getting late, it's time to bathe and rest in your room~"
While thinking, Hoshino Sora's arms were pressed against by a softness on both sides. He looked up and saw Ya Xiang and Rika's smiling faces.
"You're right, I have to get up early tomorrow, so it's better to rest early today. Everyone, go back to sleep too."
Glancing at the time on the wall, Hoshino Sora agreed, and after giving Tadokoro Megumi and Alice a slightly apologetic look, he left with Ya Xiang and Rika.
"They're siblings, right? How come…"
Looking at this scene, Erina Nakiri's mouth was slightly agape, clearly a bit shocked.
"We're also sisters, you know. We'll just let them have this week."
As she spoke, Alice walked to her side, looking at the retreating figures of the three with a regretful voice. She tightened the clothes on her body; it seemed she could only generate her own warmth with this outfit tonight.
Tadokoro Megumi had no particular expression; she didn't care about these things. She was chatting and laughing with Shiina Mahiru. After the lodging training, the two had become very good friends.
——————
"I can only help you this much, old friend…"
In the women's bath, Hana-hime leaned against the rock wall, a white towel on her head, enjoying the warmth of the hot spring, and murmured to herself while looking at the ceiling.
"Hana-hime-sama, how long do you plan to stay this time, cough cough."
"I'm not leaving. I'm staying to keep you company."
Looking at Weno Grandma beside her, a hint of complexity was revealed in Hana-hime's eyes.
"Really?"
"Really… not leaving."
"Cough cough, good!"
——————
"Sora, let me see how Little Sora's diet has been lately."
"Hmm, as expected, there's the scent of other women."
"Asaka-nee, Rika-nee, aren't you supposed to shower first?"
"Tonight, I want to try the original flavor first."
"Exactly, we even specifically wore the black stockings you like~"
"Don't you like them?" * 2
"Then I shall respectfully obey!"
——————
The next morning, Hoshino Sora woke up early, with the two exhausted sisters beside him. They were clinging to him like koalas, and no matter how he pulled, he couldn't separate them.
"Sora~"
With a hint of attachment in her voice, Ya Xiang unconsciously murmured in her sleep. Rika, hearing the sound, seemed to sense something and instinctively draped her leg over Hoshino Sora's body.
"Love you, Sora-Sora…" Her lips pressed against the edge of Hoshino Sora's face, her murmurs clearly audible.
"I know you two love me very much, but I have to go train now. At least let me get up…
Stupid sisters, both of you are stupid."
A hint of helplessness appeared on his face, and Hoshino Sora cursed softly, but his tone was full of doting, showing that he wasn't truly angry.
On the contrary, he didn't dare to make big movements because he felt sorry for them and didn't want to wake them up. Now he could only wait and see when they would wake up.
He glanced at the sky outside; it should only be around three o'clock, so it was no wonder these two couldn't wake up. Before he had the 'infinite energy' buff, he would also be in the stage of lingering in bed at this time.
But, they were really so cute!
Looking at Asaka-nee and Rika-nee's faces at this distance, Hoshino Sora swallowed. The two of them had a cute style, and their figures weren't as great as Erina's and Alice's, but they had their own unique charm.
At least he liked it very much.
As he looked, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but become infatuated, secretly kissing them dozens of times, so much so that he didn't notice the passage of time until there was a sound from outside the room.
"Hoshino-kun, Hana-hime Senior wants us to go over."
"Got it, don't come in."
Yumeko Jabami's voice came from the doorway. Hoshino Sora instantly snapped back to reality, his expression a little nervous, then he gritted his teeth and removed their hands from his body.
The moment their hands left his body, Hoshino Sora clearly saw Ya Xiang and Rika's brows furrow, but they didn't wake up. It wasn't until he changed them from hugging him to hugging each other that their furrowed brows gradually relaxed.
Because they had always treated each other as Hoshino Sora's substitute, they occasionally slept together, so they were very familiar with each other's temperature and scent, creating a sense of dependence.
Hoshino Sora naturally didn't know about this. Seeing their brows relax, a relieved expression also appeared on his face. Then he got up and got dressed, while replying to the outside: "I'll be there in 5 minutes."
With a flurry of quick movements, Hoshino Sora tidied his clothes, then opened the door. As soon as he stepped out, he saw Yumeko Jabami, whose face was full of 'Waku Waku' (excitement).
It was clear that she was very much looking forward to it.
"It's getting late, let's go quickly."
"Mm."
Nodding, Hoshino Sora quickly followed, passing through a chrysanthemum field and along a bluestone path. The two arrived at the second kitchen in the courtyard, which was outside a sea of flowers. All sorts of unnamed flowers could be seen there.
Hoshino Sora looked at the flowers before him with admiration, a question rising in his heart: Why were there so many flowers planted outside the kitchen? And why did his father call Hana-hime Senior the Flower Fairy?
Could it be that Hana-hime Senior was skilled at incorporating flowers into her dishes, earning her the title of Flower Fairy in the culinary world? But why had he never heard of her? Could she really be a strong figure from the last century?
But if she was from the last century, why was she so young?
Was she like the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder?
Confused and puzzled, Hoshino Sora entered the kitchen and saw Hana-hime, wearing an apron, with her back to them, seemingly preparing something. He stepped forward and greeted her.
"Good morning, Hana-hime Senior."
Almost simultaneously, as he spoke, Yumeko Jabami also spoke. Hana-hime turned around upon hearing their voices, and they saw what she was arranging before her.
Flowers, all sorts of flowers.
"Come try some freshly baked flower pastries. There's also soy milk beside them. Once you've eaten your fill, we can begin. Speaking of the competition with this little girl, I haven't even asked for your names yet."
As she spoke, Hana-hime went to the oven, took out the flower pastries she had cooked earlier, and placed them on the kitchen table. Then, she brought over a pot of soy milk and several bowls.
"Yumeko Jabami."
"Hoshino Sora."
"Yumeko Jabami and Hoshino Sora, eh?"
Upon hearing Hoshino Sora's name, Hana-hime's expression noticeably froze for a moment, and a complex emotion flickered in her eyes. Although it was only for a second, Hoshino Sora still caught it.
As he felt a surge of confusion, Hana-hime had already brought over stools.
"Eat."
Hearing this, Hoshino Sora didn't stand on ceremony. He picked up a flower pastry and began to eat it in large bites. A bright light appeared in his eyes with the first bite, and a notification sound in his mind told him that this was another Golden Fried Rice-level dish.
The Gourmet Cell in his body surged and cheered. As he consumed a large amount of the dish, Hoshino Sora broke through!
[Gourmet Cell · Modified]: lv4 ? lv5
A faint golden glow appeared on his body for a very short time, but Hoshino Sora clearly felt his body undergoing a transformation. If he could have punched a cow to death before, then now he could punch a dinosaur to death! A Tyrannosaurus Rex, at that!
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