Totsuki, in a guest reception room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
The room had a broad view, was quiet and comfortable, with soft sofas and elegant carpets, giving a sense of security.
At the moment, two elegant women were waiting anxiously.
"Thank you for waiting."
"Let me introduce myself. I am Rindo, the current second seat of Totsuki's Elite Ten."
Before long, Rindo entered the reception room and, seeing the two famous curry queens, couldn't help but apologize.
"Is this your attitude?"
"We were invited on short notice and managed to make time in our busy schedules to come here."
"Yet, we've been left in the reception room for over half an hour."
The younger sister, Orie Sendawara, glanced sideways at Rindo, feeling quite annoyed.
If it weren't for maintaining the long-standing cooperation between her Haubi Foods Company and Totsuki Academy, she would have left already.
...
Given Totsuki's strong reputation, it has many partners.
After all, it is a place that cultivates excellent chefs, consuming vast amounts of food and resources daily.
Currently, Haubi Foods Company, with its annual 200 billion yen curry market, is a supplier of curry to Totsuki.
To be more precise, a supplier of curry products.
Every year, Totsuki Academy purchases an astronomical amount of curry from Haubi Foods.
Thus, seeing her sister's unfriendly attitude towards Totsuki's representative, Orie Sendawara, Natsume Sendawara, couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Orie, don't be rude."
"Totsuki sending an Elite Ten member as a representative shows how much they value Haubi Foods."
Natsume sighed helplessly at Rindo.
"It's alright, really."
"I should apologize for keeping you waiting for over half an hour. It was our mistake."
Saying this, Rindo couldn't resist taking out a small bag of cookies, tearing it open, and munching on them, not caring about her image as the second seat of the Elite Ten.
...
"So, it's already this late."
"Why did you invite us here on short notice?"
Realizing her earlier tone and attitude might have been excessive, Natsume took a deep breath and asked calmly.
"In a month, the Autumn Election will begin."
"After our collective evaluation at noon, we decided that the preliminary competition's theme is curry."
"This means that all ingredients, including spices, curry blocks, curry powder, seasoning packets, and so on, for the 60 contestants in the A and B blocks, will be sourced from Haubi Foods."
"This meeting is to discuss the specifics of purchasing these ingredients."
Rindo explained, still munching on cookies.
"Purchasing ingredients?"
"Doesn't Totsuki have a dedicated purchasing department?"
"Is it necessary for an Elite Ten member and two high-level executives to meet in person for such a matter?"
Natsume felt relieved to hear that Totsuki wanted to purchase ingredients from Haubi Foods, but then she felt puzzled.
Such a small matter shouldn't need so much attention.
"Well, since things have come to this, I won't hide anything."
"We hope you two can serve as judges for the Autumn Election."
"Given your significant achievements in the curry field, having you judge the contestants' curry dishes would be perfect."
Rindo stated frankly.
...
"Serve as judges for the Autumn Election?"
"Interesting. Sister, should we accept?"
Natsume thought for a moment, then smiled intriguingly.
Currently, Haubi Foods is actively expanding into the overseas curry market and needs a group of curry-related professionals.
Agreeing to judge the Autumn Election would help maintain their relationship with Totsuki and allow them to scout for potential talents.
Understanding the benefits, Orie nodded.
"Great, since you've agreed."
"Let me go over the details and procedures of the Autumn Election."
Pleased with the smooth progress, Rindo continued discussing the Autumn Election with the Sendawara sisters for over an hour.
"May our cooperation be successful."
"Since we have some time left, how about I treat you to dinner?"
As the meeting ended and the Sendawara sisters were about to leave, Rindo quickly stepped forward, inviting them.
"No need."
"We have other matters to attend to."
Orie waved her hand dismissively.
Despite their financial freedom and high status, their daily lives were busy.
Especially managing the large-scale operations of Haubi Foods, which often left them exhausted. They only wanted to return to their company and rest.
"Don't worry."
"I'll take you to a tavern where you can completely relax."
"And I believe you'll enjoy the food prepared by the owner."
Rindo smiled.
...
For many, childhood is the most precious time.
Many traits formed in childhood rarely change, and some tragic experiences can affect one's entire life. Childhood misfortunes often need a lifetime to heal.
Erina knew this well.
In contrast, Megumi's childhood was very fortunate.
Whenever she mentioned her mother, her face lit up with happiness, which Zane noticed.
While chatting with Megumi, a black car stopped outside, and three women stepped out.
"Can a place like this really serve food that even an Elite Ten member would be satisfied with?"
Wearing sunglasses and high heels, Orie couldn't help but look at the tavern and sigh in disappointment.
"Hmm?"
"Next door is Sonoka's Shunkatei?"
"Could this tavern be the one recently endorsed by WGO officer Anne?"
Natsume's gaze fell on Shunkatei next door, quickly realizing something, feeling slightly shocked.
As the CEO of Haubi Foods, she had dealings with WGO and frequently contacted Anne.
She had heard about this tavern from Anne but hadn't taken it seriously, wondering how a small tavern could compare to Haubi Foods or make a significant impact in the culinary world.
"Ladies, since you're here, why not come in and have a bite?"
With that, Rindo walked into the tavern, leaving the sisters to follow, feeling helpless.
...
Smoke curled around, and the air was filled with the delicious aroma.
Inside the tavern, diners were happily eating, drinking, and chatting.
At the cooking station stood a handsome man, exuding a gentle aura, seemingly in control of the atmosphere.
Diners clinked glasses, and the sounds of music, chatter, and cooking blended harmoniously.
It wasn't noisy, but lively.
"Zane, it's been a few days."
"You've renovated again, even replacing the wooden sliding doors with automatic glass ones. I'm surprised!"
Rindo sat near the cooking station, greeting Zane like an old friend.
"You're free tonight?"
"Didn't you have an Elite Ten meeting at noon?"
Zane brought her a cup of hot coffee, smiling.
"Sister, is it really okay?"
"This tavern looks nice inside."
"But we're the high and mighty Curry Queens. We've seen all sorts of grand occasions and high-class cuisines."
Orie curiously looked around but couldn't hide her skepticism.
"Let's see. If WGO officers and Elite Ten members recognize him, he must have some skills."
Natsume kept her eyes on Zane, speaking calmly.
...
"Zane, let me introduce you."
"These are the CEO and CFO of Haubi Foods, the Sendawara sisters, Natsume and Orie."
Rindo introduced them to Zane.
Every industry's rules are set by the best in the field.
The Sendawara sisters might not be top chefs, but they were leading figures in the curry industry.
Noticing them early, Zane stepped forward and softly said, "Ladies, we have a rule where you can order freely, so if there's something you'd like..."
"Curry rice."
"We'll have two servings of curry rice."
Before he finished, Orie replied without hesitation.
As renowned curry queens, ordering curry rice at a tavern was understandable.
"Alright, please wait a moment."
"Rindo, what about you?"
"I'll have curry rice too!"
"OK!"
With that, Zane returned to the cooking station to prepare curry rice.
...
Curry can be eaten on its own, but it feels a bit lacking.
Such a delicious sauce should be enjoyed with rice or bread, covering the original flavor, and then sent to the mouth.
The strong taste transforms the main dish.
The chewiness of the main dish keeps you eating until the plate is clean.
Simply put.
Anything can go with curry.
Besides rice, fries, chicken, beef, shrimp, crab, noodles, and even vegetables can be paired with curry sauce.
If it doesn't taste good, there's not enough curry!
Zane's curry rice was leaning towards Japanese style, simple and unassuming.
He sautéed beef tendon with garlic, added nearly mashed vegetables, and a bit of broth.
Then he added curry sauce made from cinnamon, coriander seeds, chili, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and turmeric powder, simmered, and mixed with rice.
Finally, a simple Japanese curry rice was ready.
Overall, compared to dishes like Rising Dragon Dumplings and Reincarnation Spring Rolls, it had no magical glow or fairy-tale-like color harmony.
It wasn't unattractive, just...
Ordinary!
Really ordinary!
"This curry rice... doesn't look very delicious, does it?"
Seeing it, Orie was puzzled and sighed.
To her, curry rice was home-cooked food, but this one was too ordinary.
"Japanese curry rice."
"It keeps the freshness and crunch of the vegetables without being too sweet."
"My method is simple, but you'll find a surprise if you try a bit!"
Seeing Orie's doubts, Zane explained.
...
Unlike her sister, Natsume wasn't picky.
She didn't care about simplicity or being home-cooked; she cared about the curry!
Looking closer, she saw that Zane's curry didn't use many ingredients, but its
aroma was rich, with hints of peanut and turmeric.
The rice was slightly soft, but it paired well with the warm, sweet curry.
Natsume's eyes lit up, confident this simple Japanese curry rice had more to it.
"Simplicity has its reason."
"As long as we Curry Queens are satisfied, who cares if it's home-cooked?"
Natsume said, eagerly taking a spoonful of curry rice.
Seeing this, Orie reluctantly joined in.
"Mm?"
"This... is curry rice?"
-------------
I've released a new fanfic, it's kind of like a combination between Dad's Comic Life & Food Wars but instead it's a guy selling manga in a store in Genshin Impact. Check it out, here's the synopsis:
Alternate titles: [Harem King of Teyvat], [The Idle History of a Manga Shop Owner]...
After crossing into the world of Teyvat, Idris gains the Universal Comic System, allowing him to receive rewards just by selling manga...
Idris: Ahem... Ladies, I swear to the heavens, I'm just a manga seller...
Yae Miko: I don't care, hurry up and update "Fox Spirit Matchmaker"! Also, save our Inazuma...
Jean: Is there really a Noble Phantasm in this world? I want to become the Saber King!!! Save Mondstadt from fire and water.
Cloud Retainer: Idris, want a wife? Hurry up and update "The Outcast"... I'll give you a wife.
Nahida: Boo hoo... Manga is my only entertainment, Idris, please update quickly...
Furina: Will I also protect my knight? Mr. Idris...