"Senpai," Soma began. "In terms of culinary skills, I might not match you yet."
"But you can mobilize the entire Chinese Cuisine Research Society to run Kuga Restaurant."
"Honestly, I don't stand much chance against that kind of power alone."
"This is my first time participating in the Moon Banquet Festival, so I'm clueless about many things and often at a loss."
"But I believe I will win because when it comes to running a business, I might have more experience than you!"
Kuga clenched his teeth as he watched Soma with a mix of arrogance and mockery.
"Soma," he growled, "don't get too cocky!"
Reluctantly, Kuga restrained his anger and turned away.
...
"The Moon Banquet Festival is terrifying," Megumi said. "Today's business was even better than yesterday's. Luckily, I ran out of ingredients early, or I would have..."
Earlier that day.
In the first stall of the main street area, Megumi was exhausted from a busy day. She leaned weakly against the table, muttering to herself with a weak voice, looking very tired.
Perhaps it was thanks to the prime location at Totsuki Academy's entrance, giving her stall a significant advantage and making it stand out in the festival.
"Here," a small fruit salad was suddenly placed in front of her. Fresh strawberries, golden mangoes, green kiwis, and dark purple grapes were all cut into small pieces and arranged like precious gems.
The vibrant colors and shapes made the fruit salad visually appealing.
"Thank you," Megumi said, her eyes widening with delight as she eagerly took a bite. The fresh taste of each fruit – the sweet and sour strawberries, soft mangoes, refreshing kiwis, and juicy grapes – blended harmoniously.
The addition of salad dressing further enhanced the flavors, balancing the sweetness and acidity, making the salad even more delicious.
"Mmm, I feel alive again," Megumi sighed.
"You're the first to close up shop in the main street area today, Megumi. Looks like you had a good day," Rindo said, appearing behind her.
Megumi turned to see the familiar face and jumped up, flustered. "Rindo-senpai? What are you doing here?"
"Surprised?" Rindo smiled, munching on a pancake. "I've eaten at all 60 stalls in the main street area over the past two days, and now I'm back at the first one."
"Two days? You ate at all 60 stalls?" Megumi was stunned.
"I reserved a table in the mountain area. Since you closed up early, why not join me?"
Rindo grabbed Megumi's hand without waiting for a response and headed towards the mountain area.
...
The mountain area was a different world compared to the other two zones. The guests here were all high society elites, moving with grace and poise under the starry sky.
"Wow, it's already evening," Megumi noted. "The central and main street areas are closing, but some stalls here are still open. And there are quite a few guests too."
Lavish restaurants with bright, colorful lights lined the area, creating a magical scene. It was clear that the mountain area offered a different level of dining experience.
"The clientele here is different," Rindo explained. "Most guests stay at the Totsuki Resort within the campus."
"Many stalls here offer dinner packages and special menus."
"Everything looks so expensive," Megumi said, realizing the mountain area had the highest prices, starting at 5000 yen.
"Don't worry, Megumi, I said I'd treat you. Plus, I plan to visit all 120 stalls in the festival within the next three days."
Rindo's enthusiasm and determination impressed Megumi.
...
Rindo led Megumi to Eishi's stall.
"Welcome, Rindo-senpai. Two guests?" the polite waiter greeted them. "Today's menu is 'Autumn Symphony,' a nine-course meal."
Rindo hurried the waiter along and pulled Megumi inside.
...
They soon reached Eishi's workspace, where he was expertly preparing shrimp. His knife skills were precise, cutting through the shrimp with calculated moves to keep the meat intact.
Megumi was amazed by his calm yet powerful technique, realizing Rindo had brought her to the first seat of the Elite Ten.
...
"There are only three tables in this restaurant," Megumi observed.
"Eishi handles all the cooking himself," Rindo explained. "So fewer tables mean better service."
"Kuga's problem is his restaurant is too big, making it hard to keep up with orders."
"But how can Eishi handle nine courses for three tables all by himself?" Megumi wondered, impressed by his confidence and skill.
Eishi's final dish was ready.
"Serve it," he instructed.
...
The shrimp dish was a highlight, with the fresh shrimp taste bursting in the mouth.
"This is incredible," one diner exclaimed. "The shrimp tastes even better in autumn."
"Eishi has truly utilized the best of the season's flavors," another said.
...
"Rindo-senpai," Eishi noticed Rindo and hurried over, concerned. "Is the room temperature okay? Is the lighting too dim? Would you like a drink?"
His nervousness was palpable, surprising everyone.
"Relax, Eishi," Rindo laughed, enjoying her meal.
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