303
This was the room number where Soma resided after passing the trial and moving into the Polar Star Dorm dorm.
Although somewhat adolescent, he was able to adapt and use the available kitchen ingredients to create a rich and delicious bowl of miso ramen.
This impressed Madame Daimidō.
"Interesting, finally, an interesting lad has arrived!"
Watching Soma holding the room key, walking up the stairs while humming a tune from time to time, Madame Daimidō couldn't help but feel emotional!
However, just as Soma turned around.
She seemed to see the image of Jōichirō, who 20 years ago, also resided in the 303 dorm room.
"Um? Is it my imagination?" Rubbing her temples, Madame Daimidō's expression became increasingly strange.
Polar Star Dorm.
It was originally an ordinary lodging facility in Totsuki.
Over 20 years ago, students such as Jōichirō, Gin, Azami, continuously procured resources and stripped the legal person from the academy within, resulting in Polar Star Dorm adopting independent accounting, marking the start of a real golden era!
Of course, standards rise with each generation.
But now, compared to over 20 years ago, the Polar Star Dorm has significantly declined.
Especially these new students, like Yuuki, Ryōko, Megumi, Satoshi, etc., with their talents and abilities, surpassing Gin's group of students, the likelihood was almost zero in the eyes of Madame Daimidō!
Fortunately, there's still a seventh seat of the Elite Ten, upholding the image of Polar Star Dorm. Otherwise, she really wouldn't know what to do.
"Alas! I don't know when this Polar Star Dorm dormitory will be able to regain its former glory!" With that thought, Madame Daimidō couldn't help but put away her heavy heart, stretch her lazy waist, and prepare to go to bed.
Creak!
After a slight sound.
The door of the Polar Star Dorm dormitory slowly opened.
At this moment, Megumi, who had returned from the tavern, upon seeing the dorm supervisor Madame Daimidō still awake, was frightened and quickly hid the box of sweets she held!
"Ahem!"
"Madame Daimidō, you ... you're still not asleep?"
"Um, I just received a newcomer to the Polar Star Dorm and got up to welcome them,"
Madame Daimidō walked toward Megumi, starting to sense her uneasiness and said anxiously, "What's wrong with you? You never go out by yourself, and you only just returned to the dorm so late. Is there something important?"
"Nothing, nothing ! I just ... just got hungry and couldn't help but go out to eat a bowl of Unadon."
Megumi mumbled, her eyes darting around, as if she wanted to find an excuse to leave the place.
Her fair and innocent face even began to blush, indicating she was feeling somewhat guilty.
Certainly, she couldn't admit that she went to the tavern just because she missed the master's cooking, right?
"Unadon?"
"As an expert in local cuisine, could ordinary Unadon impress you?"
"And you sneaked out in the evening, it's already well past midnight, and I think ... even if you finished the Unadon, it shouldn't take this long?"
With her experienced eye, Madame Daimidō would never be easily fooled by Megumi's clumsy acting.
Moreover, Megumi's hands were always hidden behind her back, always protecting something!
"Yes, yes, because the master at the tavern makes incredibly delicious Unadon, so ... so I stayed there for a while before coming back."
Megumi, feeling uneasy under the piercing gaze of Madame Daimidō, could only make an explanation.
But she didn't know that when you try to explain things intentionally, it may arouse more suspicion and speculation.
Indeed, after listening to this explanation, Madame Daimidō began to narrow her eyes, and in the end, she seemed to understand something and couldn't help but reveal a cunning smile.
"Megumi, you need to tell the truth."
"Do you have a love interest outside, someone you like?"
"Ah?"
Megumi was suddenly stunned!
Then, she blushed, and shook her head, answering in a hesitant tone, "No ... not at all! I really just went out to eat."
"I'm a shy and timid girl, and I will be at a loss in front of boys ... How ... how is it possible for me to have a love interest?"
"Even if so, I wouldn't sneak out at night to ... to go on dates or anything like that ..."
Although saying so, at this moment, she suddenly saw the figure of Zane in her mind.
For some reason, whenever she thought of Zane's exceptional culinary skills, his gentle personality, and charming smile, she ... she couldn't forget!
"Really? Then why is your face so red?"
"I'm also experienced, at the age of 15 or 16, facing the bustling world, it's easy to become agitated."
"Oftentimes, we are mutually attracted by each other's charm, becoming each other's comfort zone!"
"Right now."
"It's the beginning of the school year."
"Being the last position in your class, you must be feeling uneasy, restless."
"But during this time, you never confided in any of us at the Polar Star Dorm."
"Instead, you went to a tavern, seeking solace from the master there! Megumi, perhaps you don't understand this impulse to rely on someone, that's precisely a part of youthful love!"
Gazing deeply at the shy Megumi, Madame Daimidō said meaningfully.
In the old days, she was also a beautiful maiden, and she too had a lover and had a passionate love...
However, time ages everyone.
She ultimately became a thin old lady.
...
"Madame Daimidō, things are not as you imagine."
"You ... since you didn't join us for the celebration at the tavern last time, you definitely don't know how amazing the master at the tavern is!"
Megumi indeed felt a strong sense of dependence on Zane.
Whether this feeling of wanting to rely on him when facing difficulties, really is as Madame Daimidō said, a form of love?
For Megumi, who is as inexperienced in love as a blank sheet of paper, this is absolutely confusing.
However, to avoid misunderstandings, she carefully explained the recent events at the tavern.
"Well... listening to your words, the master at the tavern is, indeed, a respectable chef!"
Upon hearing Madame Daimidō's response, Megumi was slightly surprised and couldn't help but lower her head and contemplate.
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