Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.
In the morning, the gentle breeze blew, and sparkling dew drops slid down the leaves. Fresh air greeted everyone as the sun's golden rays slowly rose from the east.
The two-week-long on-site training was coming to an end. After enduring harsh training, many students had achieved significant results.
---
"Wow!"
"I can't believe I survived! It's a miracle!"
At this moment, in front of Totsuki Academy, Yuuki looked at the familiar school gate, reminiscing about the place filled with memories.
"Yeah, nothing has changed," Ryoko, standing behind Yuuki, smiled slightly.
"Yuuki, Ryoko, did you both pass the on-site training?"
A clear, sweet voice sounded from behind. The excitement and joy in the voice were evident.
Yuuki and Ryoko turned around to see Megumi. Her fresh haircut, delicate face, clear eyes, and the natural fresh aura she exuded made her look like a beautiful fairy.
"Megumi, I missed you so much!"
Yuuki, slightly stunned, rushed into Megumi's arms with excitement.
"Megumi, did you pass the training too?" Ryoko asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I interned at the Kirinoya restaurant under senior Natsume. I learned a lot during the two weeks!" Megumi said, looking at Yuuki in her arms.
"What? Learning cooking from a Totsuki graduate? Megumi, you are so lucky!" Yuuki's eyes sparkled with envy.
---
After that, Yuuki calmed down her envious feelings.
She looked deeply at Megumi and said, "Well, we're lucky to be back. Let's go back to the Polar Star Dorm. Tonight, we'll have a celebration party to welcome ourselves back."
Yuuki grabbed their hands and headed towards the dorm.
With the end of the on-site training, students who had been dispatched returned, making Totsuki Academy lively again. The once quiet roads began to fill with students.
These returning first-year students were like sparks igniting the battlefield of Totsuki Academy.
---
A beautiful white building stood in the center of Totsuki Academy, looking extraordinary.
Inside this building, in a spacious conference room, the atmosphere was tense. The heads of Totsuki Academy had gathered. Finally, when the Director Senzaemon arrived, the meeting officially began.
"Everyone, since we are all here, let's start."
The Director's sharp eyes scanned the room. "First, please report on the specifics of this year's on-site training."
"Yes, Director!"
"This year, a total of 403 students participated in the on-site training. Due to various reasons, 82 students were forced to drop out, leaving 321 first-year students."
A subordinate stood up and carefully reported the details of this year's training to the Director.
---
The internal competition at Totsuki Academy was harsher than anyone could imagine. Advancing to the next grade or graduating was extremely difficult for every Totsuki student.
In fact, this year's situation seemed better than usual.
The Director's deep eyes sparkled as he fell into thought. Finally, he looked up and asked, "So, this year's on-site training is quite excellent compared to last year?"
"Yes, Director. According to our observations, this year's freshmen are overall much better than last year's. Especially Erina and Alice, who were dispatched to intern at the tavern. Their growth is astounding!"
A subordinate continued to report to the Director.
"Good."
The Director nodded in satisfaction. He then asked, "How are the preparations for the Moon Banquet Festival?"
"We're working hard to ensure it's ready in a week."
"Good!"
"Everyone has worked hard," the Director acknowledged.
---
The Moon Banquet Festival is the formal name for Totsuki Academy's school festival, a grand food carnival marking the end of autumn.
It lasts five days, attracting over 500,000 visitors, including VIPs from around the world who are hosted by the academy's lodging facilities and the Totsuki Resort, generating significant revenue.
Students, upon approval, can set up their own stalls, either as a group or individually, using purchased meal tickets to prove their sales. Each evening at 6 PM, the official rankings for each area's sales are announced, highlighting the top three.
Typically, a stall must serve at least 1,000 portions daily to rank highly, and those that incur losses face expulsion.
---
There are three zones for setting up stalls:
1. **Main Street Area**: The bustling main street from the main gate, crowded with people and less competitive.
2. **Central Area**: Concentrated around cooking buildings requiring special equipment.
3. **Mountain Area**: Scattered buildings in a high-end zone with fewer customers but higher average spending, often chosen by the Elite Ten for their restaurants.
Visitors can use shuttle buses to move between areas.
In summary, the Moon Banquet Festival turns the academy into a "food empire" using its resources.
---
Meanwhile, at the food war venue of Totsuki Academy in the morning:
A crystal sugar cover surrounded the "Forbidden Fruit," revealing a glass-like egg. The beautiful appearance made the judges eager to taste it.
The judges, initially puzzled, eagerly sampled the dish.
The "caviar" melted in their mouths, releasing a rich egg flavor that captivated them. The unique texture and the exquisite presentation made the dish a memorable experience.
The judging results were announced.
---
"No! This can't be!"
"I'm a third-year student! How could I lose to a first-year?"
A tall, burly student, seeing the food war results, collapsed, his face pale.
He never expected to be defeated by a junior.
"Well, I am the champion of the Autumn Selection," Alice said, her deep red eyes shining like stars. "And I learned a lot from Zane during my internship at the tavern."
She shrugged and added, "Next, not just you third-years, but I also aim for the Elite Ten. The next Elite Ten will surely have my place!"
With that, the slightly arrogant Alice left the venue.
---
"This dish has indeed improved," Rindo observed from the audience, having watched Alice's entire food war.
She hadn't expected Alice to change so much during her short internship at the tavern, even daring to challenge third-year students—and winning.
---
Morning light and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing floral scent. A clean bed in a luxurious room exuded a calm aura, with sunlight streaming through the window onto a fair face.
Erina lay on the bed, restlessly rolling around, growing more anxious.
"I'm so eager to see the sequel!"
"Why isn't Hisako back yet?"
Her eyes focused on the wide door, hoping Hisako would appear.
---
Ding dong! Ding dong!
The doorbell suddenly rang.
"Is she back?"
Erina, hearing the doorbell, eagerly got up and rushed to the door.
"Erina-sama, I finally got it."
Hisako, carrying a shopping bag, breathed heavily but smiled at Erina.
"Come in quickly."
Erina pulled Hisako inside and shut the door.
"Did you get it?"
Erina, holding Hisako's hands, her eyes sparkling with excitement, asked.
"Yes, I got it," Hisako nodded, taking a newly released light novel from the shopping bag and handing it to Erina.
"Wow, you really got it?"
Erina, holding the new light novel, felt as if a sweet, cool breeze had brushed her heart.
She immediately lay on the bed, eagerly reading the new book.
---
Seeing Erina engrossed in the light novel, Hisako was slightly surprised. The scene amused her.
Who would have thought?
The dignified Elite Ten member and heir of the Nakiri family loved reading light novels.
If this got out, it would surprise many people!
"Erina-sama, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Hisako said.
"Go ahead, Hisako. You can go about your business," Erina waved.
"Yes, Erina-sama," Hisako replied, turning to leave.
But before she could, Erina stopped her. "Wait, don't tell anyone I like reading light novels. Keep it a secret!"
"Huh?"
Hisako, taken aback, laughed, "Understood, Erina-sama."
"Good."
Erina nodded, continuing to read.
---
After the Autumn Selection, this was the first time Hisako returned to Erina, continuing to care for her as before. After overcoming this setback, Hisako finally resolved her inner conflict.
Sometimes, success isn't everything. Using one's strength to protect loved ones is enough.
This belief quickly revitalized Hisako, mending her relationship with Erina.
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