"Chrysanthemum…"
Opening her closed eyes, a faint light appeared in them. This sweet taste came from a certain flower. Combining it with the garden full of chrysanthemums, Erina Eri Nai finally arrived at the answer.
Although the taste was very faint, it profoundly influenced the entire pot of soup. One could say that it was precisely this chrysanthemum that set the tone for the whole soup, making it both delicious and very fragrant.
It must be said, this was truly a stroke of genius! The taste was delicate and elegant, closely tied to the theme of the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet. The person who invented this soup was definitely a genius!
Her gaze turned towards the old Hana-hime who had just left. Erina Eri Nai thought so, and for the first time, anticipation arose in her heart for this special training.
She had initially thought this was Hoshino Sora's playful struggle, but she never expected there to be a true recluse here.
"Delicious!"
"Tasty!"
"So warm!"
Exclamations rose and fell from various parts of the dining table. As the hot soup entered their stomachs, the girls' faces were filled with enjoyment. Among them, Alice and Erina had a faint glow appear on their bodies.
Hoshino Sora understood that this was the Gourmet Cell evolving.
"Everyone, eat heartily! Don't be shy, Weno Grandma's cooking is excellent!"
As he spoke, Hoshino Tani Ren stood up. Although the other party said he didn't need to help, he couldn't truly not help. Weno Grandma was old after all, and preparing meals for so many people could easily lead to overwork.
He appreciated her sentiment.
"Sora-kun, before the food comes, let's go admire the flowers."
As soon as Hoshino Tani Ren followed, Alice came over, leaning slightly, her smile bright. However, since it was already near dusk and the sky was tinged with red, the visibility around was not very high.
It would be better to appreciate flowers during the day.
The words in his mind weren't spoken. Hoshino Sora was about to get up and accompany her when Ya Xiang Lixiang, sitting beside him, pulled him back.
"No, Sora has to stay with us these days!"
"Exactly! You already took up so much of his time when you were at Far Moon, and you're always being all lovey-dovey. Now, it's our turn, no matter how you look at it!"
Their voices carried a hint of assertiveness. Pouting slightly, Ya Xiang Lixiang watched Alice Nakiri, each holding one of Hoshino Sora's arms tightly, preventing him from moving an inch.
Hearing this, Hoshino Sora stopped moving, only smiling helplessly. Alice's smile stiffened slightly, and she stood still, looking somewhat at a loss.
"Asaka-nee, Rika-nee, I…"
Hoshino Sora leaned close to Ya Xiang Lixiang's ear and whispered a few words. Then, the two released his hands, their faces visibly reddening.
"Then go quickly, be careful on the way." *2
These words came from both of them. Their expressions changed from protective kittens to pushy saleswomen, their urgency evident. Their sudden change startled Alice.
"Thank you."
Alice looked at Ya Xiang Lixiang with a puzzled expression, then softly thanked them. Before she could fully recover, Hoshino Sora was pushed towards her by the two.
Alice was still in a daze when Hoshino Sora, who had been pushed into a solid embrace, took her hand and led her out of the dining room and into the sea of flowers.
In the dining room, Tadokoro Megumi and Erina, sitting together, watched the two leave, a slight ripple appearing in their eyes.
The other girls, seeing this, said nothing more, merely chatted amongst themselves, their smiles bright, clearly accustomed to all of this.
On the other side.
"So what did you tell Asaka-nee and Rika-nee that made them willing to let you come with me?"
Walking through the chrysanthemum garden, looking at the endless, competing chrysanthemums, Alice Nakiri finally couldn't help but ask curiously.
"I said that during the special training, I'd spend my evenings with them, and then they let me come."
"Ah? Then let's go back."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Alice's forward steps halted, and she immediately prepared to turn back. Not seeing Hoshino Sora in the evenings during special training—she didn't want that!
"During the special training, you all should rest well. Besides, it's been a long time since I spent time with Asaka-nee and Rika-nee. We'll have plenty of time together in the future.
This period of special training can be considered compensation for not being with them when I went to Far Moon."
His voice was gentle but brooked no refusal, because Hoshino Sora truly felt he had neglected Asaka-nee and Rika-nee a lot.
When he first enrolled, he would occasionally leave school to visit his sisters and stick close to them. But as academic pressure and campus activities increased, his outings became fewer and fewer.
After dealing with this matter, he must go spend time with Hayama and Yui.
His phone rang, and Hoshino Sora skillfully replied to messages.
Although they didn't meet often, he maintained close contact with the two as online friends, often sharing interesting videos and pictures with him for no particular reason.
The pictures, of course, were their gravure photos.
It's worth mentioning that Yuigahama initially wouldn't send him gravure photos, but after learning that Kitagawa sent him gravure photos every day, she also, not to be outdone, used a mirror to take embarrassing photos for Hoshino Sora.
That shy yet determined little pose really hit his XP!
"Hmm…"
After hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Alice's cheeks puffed out, looking somewhat displeased.
But she didn't say anything. After all, they had Hoshino Sora for a longer time, so letting him go in the evenings was only right.
Only…
A hint of disappointment showed in her eyes. If she could, she really didn't want to sleep separately from Hoshino Sora. Even if they didn't do anything, just holding each other would be wonderful.
Because that way, they could feel each other's warmth, and touch each other's skin.
"Well, when we return to Far Moon, I'll definitely spend a lot of time with you."
"It's a promise, pinky swear."
Raising his hand, Hoshino Sora stroked Alice's head and promised. Her expression brightened considerably upon hearing this, and as he spoke, she extended her pinky finger.
"Okay, pinky swear, cross my heart and hope to die, never change for a hundred years, or swallow a thousand needles…"
Looking at the rather childish Alice, Hoshino Sora reached out and played along with her. Afterwards, their two thumbs were tightly intertwined, and both smiled.
Pinky swearing is a folk method to reassure people to keep promises, and the sayings vary slightly from place to place.
————————————
"There seems to be someone over there."
"Really? And it's a little girl. What is she doing there so late?"
Just as the two were tired from walking and preparing to return, they passed a corner, and a little girl in a kimono, squatting on the ground, appeared before them, causing them to wonder.
"Little sister, what are you doing here?"
Exchanging glances, the two couldn't bring themselves to pretend they hadn't seen her and leave. Finally, they walked up together. Alice slightly squatted down, looking at where the little girl was looking, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"It's a bee…"
Noticing the small insect in front of the girl, Hoshino Sora murmured softly, his expression thoughtful. Hearing his words, Alice also focused her attention.
A faint gleam appeared in her eyes. Where she lived, due to perennial heavy snow and its proximity to the port, it was rare to see insects like bees. She was very curious how this insect collected nectar.
"When bees collect nectar, they first send out a small number of scout bees to find a nectar source. Once found, they collect a small amount of nectar and inform their companions.
It inserts a small tube along the base of the stamen, sucking up nectar, moving from one flower to the next until it can no longer store any, then returns to the hive, where internal worker bees are responsible for honey production."
Seemingly understanding Alice Nakiri's thoughts, the little girl explained softly, then stood up, supporting herself on her knees, her gaze following the departing bee towards the beehive. There were quite a few beehives in this chrysanthemum garden; Hoshino Sora had seen two when he first arrived.
"Little sister, you know so much."
Hearing the little girl's slightly childish words, Alice praised her with a gentle smile. Although she knew the composition of secretions, she truly hadn't investigated how bees collected nectar.
"Are you chefs here for the banquet?"
Her gaze shifted from the beehive to Hoshino Sora and Alice Nakiri, and the little girl asked innocently.
"Yes, we are chefs here to cook."
Nodding, Hoshino Sora replied for Alice.
"Then do you want to have a match with me? With this whole garden of chrysanthemums as the theme."
"Huh?!"
— — — — — — — — — —
"So, so delicious! Weno Grandma's cooking is amazing!"
Her voice full of praise, Yumeko Jabami tasted the dish in front of her, commenting aloud. As she took a bite, her face was filled with a look of bliss.
"Especially this Chrysanthemum Carp. Not only is its appearance beautiful, but its taste is also exquisite. Slightly sour, the soup is white and fragrant, rich in flavor, and the fish meat is tender, smooth, refreshing, and incredibly savory."
As she tasted the dish, Erina Nakiri's words were full of admiration. This dish perfectly brought out the advantages of both chrysanthemum and carp, controlling their flavors in a delicate balance.
"It's rare to hear you praise others like this."
Hearing Erina's praise, Hoshino Sora, who was sitting opposite her, couldn't help but tease her. His words made Erina's face flush, and then she pouted, "I always give positive evaluations to delicious dishes!"
"So, when are you going to compete with me?"
As the two talked, the little girl who had been brought back and had almost finished eating suddenly stood up and came behind Hoshino Sora, asking him in a childish voice.
"Let's finish eating. I'll go to the kitchen with you then." To this, Hoshino Sora could only respond helplessly. The opponent's sudden challenge had truly startled him.
At first, he thought it was just a child's joke, and she might forget about it once she started having fun. But the look in her eyes was exceptionally serious.
This was also the real reason he finally agreed.
Just consider it fulfilling a child's wish. Who didn't, as a child, long to compete with an adult and win? Such an unrealistic, rather naive fantasy.
"It's a deal." The little girl nodded seriously.
"It's a deal!" Hoshino Sora responded with a smile.
This was originally just a small interlude, and no one took it seriously, treating it as child's play.
Hoshino Sora was no exception, until Weno Grandma brought the last dish, Fried Chrysanthemum Shrimp Buns, to the dining room, and things changed.
"This is delicious."
"This is also delicious. Compared to yours, I prefer this dish. This dish should be the best among all these dishes."
"No, I think the dish on my side is even better."
"Sora, which dish do you think is better?" * 2
Ya Xiang and Rika's discussion turned into an argument, neither willing to back down. Finally, they simply turned their attention to Hoshino Sora, blinking their big eyes and asking him whose dish was better.
"Both dishes are extremely delicious, with nothing to criticize. It can only be said that it's a matter of personal taste, and I can't really evaluate that."
"If you think it's delicious, eat more. If it's not enough, I'll go make more."
Hearing the girls' exclamations at the dining table, and Hoshino Sora's final evaluation, Weno Grandma said with a benevolent smile, then brought the grand finale, "Fried Chrysanthemum Shrimp Buns," to the dining table.
However, as her gaze shifted, when she saw that familiar figure in front of the dining table, she was instantly struck as if by lightning, opening her mouth several times but unable to speak.
"Weno, your cooking has improved greatly."
Her voice was childish, but her words startled those around her. How could this person speak to an elder like that? It was somewhat disrespectful.
"Hana-hime-sama, where have you been all this time?!"
Looking at the familiar face in front of her, Weno Grandma's calm eyes suddenly surged with emotion. Then, she strode forward and clasped the hand of the one she called Hana-hime-sama.
"I've traveled around the world a bit, seen many sights I hadn't seen before. Well, there's no need to be so excited to see me, but why isn't that dish here? I taught you that one."
"Actually… I've always had some trouble with that dish, and it's not yet at the point where it can be served to guests. And it's not like you, Hana-hime-sama, left before you finished teaching me, and that was decades ago."
Hearing Hana-hime's words, a hint of shame appeared on Weno Grandma's aged face, and her voice revealed a slight complaint, a grievance about Hana-hime's unannounced departure back then.
"Decades?!"
Hearing Weno Grandma's words, everyone in the dining room stopped what they were doing. Those drinking soup nearly choked, and Hoshino Sora even cried out in surprise.
Decades? This little loli in front of him?! This person didn't look like an elder of several decades. From her appearance, she was at most twelve or thirteen…
"Yes, it's been decades since we last met, but haven't I come to see you now? Hmm, you look very healthy. Living for another few decades shouldn't be a problem."
Looking at Weno Grandma with a smile, Hana-hime gently patted her shoulder and said softly.
"Who is this young guest?"
During their conversation, Hoshino Tani Ren walked in from outside, wiping his hands. Looking at the little loli who was patting Weno Grandma, he immediately asked with curiosity.
He remembered that Weno Grandma lived here alone.
Could it be her new apprentice? Given her age, it was quite possible.
"This is Hana-hime-sama.
Hana-hime-sama, this is Hoshino Tani Ren, a rising star in Japan. And those over there are the juniors he brought."
Hearing Hoshino Tani Ren's inquiry, Weno Grandma immediately spoke, also introducing Hoshino Tani Ren to Hana-hime. After this, the two could be considered to have formally met.
"You are the famous Hana-hime-sama, the Flower Fairy? I've heard so much about you!"
Surprise showed in the depths of Hoshino Tani Ren's eyes. He clearly found it hard to believe that the renowned Hana-hime would be a little loli, and wasn't she a chef from the last century?
Why would she be here…
"I've also heard about your deeds from a friend, that you are a culinary star in Japan. Some of these dishes here should be from your hand, right?"
"You flatter me. I was just helping Weno Grandma." Hoshino Tani Ren said modestly.
"Alright, Weno, didn't you say you hadn't learned that dish? Come to the kitchen later and watch.
And you over there, don't forget the cooking competition we agreed on. You should be pretty full by now, right?"
"Ah? I…"
Hearing Hana-hime's words, Hoshino Sora felt as if tens of thousands of alpacas were galloping through his mind. You're called a senior by my father, and now you want to compete with me? What the heck!
"That's right, didn't we just agree?"
Hana-hime said, looking at Hoshino Sora with surprise. If her memory wasn't mistaken, Hoshino Sora had just agreed to her challenge, and he had looked quite confident.
"Then let's do it."
Sighing softly, Hoshino Sora understood that this senior was teasing him, but since he had already agreed, he could only accept the situation now.
Anyway, sparring with a senior could also improve his cooking skills, so consider it a training experience!
Hoshino Sora thought so, then followed Hana-hime into the kitchen under Hoshino Tani Ren's sympathetic gaze. There were many ingredients in the kitchen, and the most conspicuous were the chrysanthemums soaking in large jars.
"What are we competing in?"
Looking at the spacious and well-equipped kitchen, Hoshino Sora asked Hana-hime.
As his father's, and even Weno Grandma's, senior, her cooking skills should be quite formidable. Competing against such an opponent would be of considerable help to him.
"Chrysanthemums in dishes, any dish is fine. By the way, I'm making pastries."
Hana-hime glanced at Hoshino Sora and slowly spoke, adding the last sentence. Then she busied herself at the counter, her movements appearing incredibly skilled.
"So amazing!"
At some point, the kitchen doorway was already crowded with people, peeking into the scene inside through the crack in the door.
Among them, Shiina Mahiru was astonished by Hana-hime's almost magical technique, exclaiming involuntarily, her eyes entirely focused on the figure of her cooking.
As the saying goes, amateurs watch the excitement, while professionals watch the craft. Almost everyone present was a chef, so they naturally understood Hana-hime's prowess. Among them, Hoshino Sora felt it most deeply.
Because he had learned desserts hands-on from Akikubo Momo, he had a relatively profound understanding of them. Hana-hime's pastry-making techniques weren't difficult; even he could do them.
But that astonishing concentration and extremely practiced technique, Hoshino Sora had only seen in one person.
Mao Jinyu.
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