The ingredients were simple.
The aroma was pure, quickly filling the mouth and spreading through the body.
Unable to resist swallowing it, Erina felt that this was one of the happiest moments in her life.
Meanwhile, Sonoka stared blankly at the steaming bowl of cauliflower fried rice, her expression showing hesitation and reluctance.
"Are you not hungry, or is something bothering you?" Zane asked with concern when he saw her not picking up her chopsticks.
Sonoka's face showed a bitter smile as she sighed, "Boss, can I bring her over to eat too?"
"Of course!"
"Bring her over."
Zane knew who "she" was.
With the tavern expanding its business and needing more hands, recruiting Taki who was in a career slump could be beneficial for both the tavern and Zane himself.
With Zane's permission, Sonoka hurriedly got up and ran to the Western restaurant next door, Shunkatei.
...
"I've said it before."
"I'd rather jump off this building than go to some tavern..."
A voice shouted from outside the tavern's door, and then the glass door opened automatically, revealing a figure.
She had long dark purple hair tied in a ponytail. Although her tone was a bit aggressive, it was clear that she had a reserved and gentle personality.
"Alright."
"Taki, have some cauliflower fried rice first."
Sonoka maintained her smile and pulled her to Zane's side.
Since their time at Totsuki, Taki and Sonoka had been very close, almost like best friends. Seeing her like this, Sonoka couldn't help but feel heartache.
At this moment, Erina, realizing what was happening, quickly brought a bowl of cauliflower fried rice to Taki.
Initially, Taki struggled a bit, but soon her body betrayed her and she started eating the cauliflower fried rice.
Since the closure of her restaurant, Taki had been somewhat self-destructive, almost like a "waste person."
Recently, staying at Shunkatei allowed her to have more opportunities to interact with Zane.
The more she learned about him, the more she realized Zane was a very charming person with a wonderful personality...
"What's wrong with me?"
As she ate, Taki suddenly burst into tears.
"Taki, why don't you become an employee here like Sonoka?"
"This tavern has many interesting stories and people. I believe it will be a good refuge for you."
Seeing her crying so much, Zane could only smile and say this to her.
"Th-thank you!"
Taki, with tear-filled eyes, responded emotionally.
Sonoka, beside her, was taken aback. Knowing that Taki had finally agreed to work for Zane as the second official employee of the tavern, she couldn't help but smile.
And so, with a warm late-night meal, the tavern finally welcomed its second official employee:
The second seat of the 88th Totsuki Elite Ten.
Taki!
...
In the bright morning.
A ray of sunlight gently shone on Erina's face, making her look like an ethereal fairy, exceptionally beautiful.
Waking from her sleep, she rubbed her eyes and stretched. Erina felt she hadn't slept this well in a long time.
"Huh?"
"This is..."
She picked up her phone and read a message, her eyes widening in surprise.
Quickly washing up, she went to the kitchen on the first floor, where she saw Zane cutting ingredients with a focused expression, busy preparing breakfast.
The rhythmic sound of chopping indicated his knife skills had reached perfection, mesmerizing Erina.
If she could live like this every day, staying at the tavern and being with Zane forever, it would be wonderful.
Realizing she was daydreaming, Erina adjusted her clothes.
She brushed her hair back and quietly approached Zane.
Seeing her, Zane put down the knife and turned to her, noticing her pale face. He gently brushed some dust off her hair.
"Why aren't you sleeping well and coming to the kitchen so early?"
Erina remained silent, her body trembling slightly.
Instinctively, she moved closer to Zane, feeling the warmth and the comforting scent from him.
Seeing her so close, their breaths intermingling, Zane was slightly taken aback. Understanding the situation, he held her cold body in his arms: "You have to go back?"
"Yes, I have to attend an Elite Ten meeting at noon, so I have to return to Totsuki."
Erina's heart ached.
After spending these days with Zane, she didn't want to leave his side.
But as an Elite Ten, she had many responsibilities at Totsuki. Though she could abandon her duties like Rindo, it wasn't her style.
Thinking about leaving Zane and the tavern today, she felt an indescribable sadness.
She gathered her courage and hugged Zane tightly.
Her pretty face snuggled into his chest, breathing in his warmth.
"Zane, I don't want to leave you."
Erina choked, her expression full of sorrow.
"Silly girl!"
"It's not like we're saying goodbye forever."
Zane wiped her tears: "We'll meet again soon."
"I'm afraid the meeting is about the Fall Selection."
"This competition is very important for Totsuki. As an Elite Ten, I have many responsibilities. I'm afraid I won't be able to visit the tavern for a long time, just like during the residential training."
"Zane, I really... really..."
Erina, holding back her tears, looked at Zane pitifully.
If Hisako saw this, she would be shocked.
Who would have thought that after staying at the tavern for a short while, the cold and proud Nakiri Erina would fall in love with Zane so quickly?
"Erina."
"No matter where or when, I won't forget you."
Zane tightened his embrace, whispering in her ear.
Erina's body trembled.
If you looked closely, you could see a slight smile on her lips.
Inexperienced in love, she couldn't resist such sweet words.
Eventually, in a reluctant atmosphere, she decided to leave the tavern, ending her part-time job there.
...
As noon approached, the weather became hot and humid.
First-year students were still on vacation, but in a dimly lit conference room at Totsuki Academy, an Elite Ten meeting was quietly underway.
"So tiring!"
"Why do we have to handle all the school's affairs?"
"The Fall Selection is just a first-year event. Let the Food Wars Administration handle it. Why should I, a third-year student, be involved?"
Entering the conference room while eating snacks, Rindo complained.
"Exactly."
"The selection is just a bunch of trash competing for fun."
"No matter how good they are, they can't compare to us, the Elite Ten."
Following Rindo, with his hands behind his head and looking lazy, was Kuga.
Like Rindo, he was also displeased with the meeting.
...
More Elite Ten members arrived, gathering in the room.
They took their seats according to their ranks, and once Eishi, the first seat, sat in the center, everyone was present.
"I'm really sorry."
"Last night, the Director suddenly informed me that the Fall Selection could officially start."
"So, I had no choice but to call this meeting. I'm sorry for the sudden notice and any inconvenience."
After looking around, Eishi spoke softly.
"Eishi, you could handle the Fall Selection planning and procedures alone, right?"
Hearing Eishi's words, Rindo couldn't sit still and quickly asked.
As the second seat, she clearly didn't want to take on any responsibilities.
"I wish I could!"
"But there are many things in the school that need my attention."
"Do you know, during your absence, I've had to deal with 14 food wars conflicts."
"Cough, alright, alright."
"We know you're working hard, but we don't have time to listen to your complaints. Get to the point!"
Seeing Eishi sighing and complaining, Rindo panicked and responded.
...
"Alright, let's get to business."
With Rindo's reminder, Eishi straightened up and pointed to the piles of documents on the table: "These documents detail the performance of about 400 first-year students who survived the harsh residential training."
"Besides their class scores, there are evaluations from various instructors and professors, as well as their cooking test results during the training."
"I hope you all can carefully select 60 outstanding students from these documents to participate in the Fall Selection."
"This is important."
"Please take it seriously!"
With that, Eishi pushed the documents towards the other Elite Ten members.
Although Rindo, Kuga, Eizan, Erina, and others were reluctant to read these documents, they couldn't refuse after the meeting was called, so they reluctantly took on the task.
...
Time flew by.
After a thorough review, the list of 60 participants was finally selected.
"With the lowest grades in the Elementary Division, this student's qualifications are questionable and should be removed."
Eizan frowned at the information of a student named Megumi, intending to remove her when he was stopped by Satoshi.
"Undeniably."
"Megumi's grades were poor at first."
"But since the start of the term, especially during the residential training, her performance has often amazed the teachers and examiners."
"She's a dark horse with potential and should be allowed to participate in the Fall Selection."
Satoshi, noticing the tense atmosphere in the room, shrugged and explained.
...
"Satoshi-senpai."
"If I'm not mistaken, Megumi is your dorm mate, right?"
"And from the participants you recommended, they all seem to be from the Polar Star Dormitory?"
"Your actions and behavior make us question if you're using your Elite Ten privileges to get your dorm mates into the Fall
Selection."
At that moment, Erina, the lowest-ranking Elite Ten member, harshly criticized.
"Erina, do you think there's a problem with the list?"
"Of course!"
Satoshi smiled, "They're my dorm mates, so I know them best."
"They're all outstanding students. Their performance during the residential training alone qualifies them for the Fall Selection."
"Is that so?"
"Your explanation is hard to believe."
Erina responded with disdain.
"Hehe, didn't you also recommend Mito and Hisako?"
"One is your trusted subordinate, and the other is your closest secretary. It's hard not to suspect..."
"Senpai, based on their cooking skills, they definitely belong in the top 60. I guarantee they're more reliable than the nobodies you've recommended."
Hearing Satoshi's retort, Erina angrily slammed the table.
"Anyone can talk big."
"But the real test is surviving the selection. Am I right, Erina?"
Satoshi smiled.
"You... fine, we'll see at the Fall Selection."
Erina's expression turned serious.
----------
For 10 advance chapters: patreon.com/angelictranslating