The old pickup truck rattled along the road, shaking even harder than on the way here.
In the passenger seat, the silver-haired girl turned her head toward me with a graceful smile, speaking in the refined tone unique to an heiress.
"My my, so you're the famous Sensei from Schale. What an honor. I never realized we'd already crossed paths so many times. It seems we share a curious sort of fate."
If anything, it was less fate and more karma. Though this was our first proper meeting, in the short time since I'd arrived in Kivotos, I'd already witnessed the Gourmet Research Society's handiwork several times firsthand.
And now, I found myself quite literally kidnapped by them, politely and enthusiastically invited into the School Lunch Club's truck in such a way that refusal was impossible.
A disaster from the heavens, really.
Still, I had to maintain the dignity of a teacher. Enduring the jolts in the back of the truck, feeling both the bumps of the road and the cruel twists of fate, I nodded solemnly. "Yes, I feel the same way."
From a broader perspective, isn't misfortune just another form of connection?
Such is the wisdom of an adult.
"Hehe~ Forgive me, I haven't introduced myself yet."
The silver-haired girl's smile deepened. Though her noble bearing gave off the air of a proud young lady, and her behavior included terrifying acts like blowing up restaurants when displeased with the food, her tone remained remarkably polite.
"I am Kurodate Haruna, president of Gehenna Academy's Gourmet Research Society. Our mission is to pursue the true essence of fine cuisine. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Following her lead, the other three members of the Gourmet Research Society introduced themselves in turn.
"My turn~" said the blonde girl in the driver's seat, her expression gentle, still carrying traces of childishness. "Sensei, I'm Wanibuchi Akari of the Gourmet Research Society. Let's go eat something delicious together sometime∼"
Next came the short red-haired girl with twin tails, who glanced up at me with half-lidded eyes and a chilly expression. "Akashi Junko," she said flatly, offering nothing more. First impression: not an easy one to talk to.
Lastly, the gray-haired girl with boundless energy was busy munching on a rather suspicious-looking hot dog. Once her friends had finished speaking, she swallowed her bite, licked a trace of blue-green sauce from the corner of her lips, and smiled brightly at me.
"Hello, Sensei! I'm Shishidou Izumi! Oh, are you interested in my chocolate-mint hot dog?"
Izumi noticed my gaze fixed on the monstrosity in her hand, a half-eaten hot dog oozing a strange bluish-green liquid speckled with black crumbs, and asked in pure excitement.
…What kind of unholy combination is that? Even Airi, the die-hard chocolate-mint lover herself, would back away from this. And please don't look at me like you're reluctantly offering to share it.
I quickly made up an excuse and politely declined her "generous" offer.
And with that, I'd officially met the Gourmet Research Society.
So far, they hadn't shown me any obvious hostility. That, at least, was a good sign.
I smiled kindly. "Alright then... Haruna, Akari, Junko, Izumi. Let's all get along from here on."
The atmosphere in the truck warmed instantly, becoming almost pleasant. It could've been mistaken for a harmonious teacher-and-students outing.
If not for one small detail.
In the corner of the truck bed lay Fuuka, tied up tightly with rope, duct tape over her mouth, long since given up resisting. She lay flat, her eyes half-lidded, tear stains still glistening at the corners.
Watching myself chatting cheerfully with her captors while she lay there pitifully, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
Sorry, Fuuka. Your Sensei is only pretending for now. I'll find a way to rescue you soon, just hang in there.
That said, I finally realized why Fuuka had looked so familiar when I saw her back at the Gehenna cafeteria.
Thinking back, shortly after I'd first arrived in Kivotos, I witnessed the Gourmet Research Society "in action" for the first time. The student being kidnapped back then... yes, it had been Fuuka.
"Forgive me for asking," I said as tactfully as I could, "but what business do you have with Fuuka?"
"Hehe~ The Gourmet Research Society only kidnaps chefs for one reason, Sensei."
Haruna spoke the word "kidnap" as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Her eyes unfocused slightly as she gazed out the window, lost in thought.
"Our goal, of course, is to have Miss Fuuka help us transform rare and nearly unobtainable ingredients into the most exquisite dishes imaginable."
Junko wiped away a trace of drool at the corner of her lips. "Basically, we just want her to do what chefs do best."
Izumi's eyes sparkled. "I've heard there's a legendary delicacy, one in two million Breton lobsters. I wonder what it tastes like. Maybe with peanut butter and chocolate syrup on top… gulp."
Silence. Only the rumble of the engine and the rush of wind filled the space.
After a long pause, Haruna spoke stiffly. "…Izumi, I know everyone has their own definition of gourmet, but… don't you think that combination is a bit too avant-garde?"
"Eh? You think so?"
As the air turned awkward again, I cleared my throat to draw their attention back.
"If that's all you needed, you didn't really have to kidnap Fuuka, did you? You could've just asked. There's no need to restrain her like this."
"It's fine, Sensei," said Akari from the driver's seat in a light tone. "Fuuka's completely used to it by now."
…Pretty sure that's not something you should be saying from your position.
Haruna nodded in agreement. "Exactly~ Look, she's even moved to tears by our passion for fine dining."
Those tears were not of admiration. I was sure of it.
Akari sighed softly, almost moved. "Perhaps this is the resonance between the souls of chef and diner."
Seeing my conflicted expression, Haruna smiled reassuringly. "Please don't worry, Sensei. As you can see, Fuuka has already consented to everything."
…Would you mind taking the tape off her mouth before saying that?
Bound and humiliated, Fuuka began writhing furiously, muffled cries spilling out in protest.
Akari chuckled softly, then, pretending to be serious but clearly enjoying herself, said, "Sensei, did you hear that?"
"…Hear what?"
"She said she has no objections."
"Mmph! Mmphhh!"
Fuuka squeezed her eyes shut, and tears fell once again.