In India, "Chai" refers to tea.
Masala Chai is a spiced tea mixed with milk, essentially a milk tea!
It is said that milk tea dates back 5000 years to ancient royal courts, where it was used to treat illnesses. It wasn't until the 1930s that black tea was added to milk tea.
This traditional milk tea, made by hand, can offer a variety of flavors:
Fragrant.
Spicy.
Bitter.
Hot.
Sweet.
Each household has its own version of Masala Chai, but ginger and pepper are essential.
At this moment, in Totsuki's Shiomi Research Society.
Despite the uproar caused by Azami's takeover and his plans to abolish all research societies, clubs, and scientific groups, Shiomi Jun remained calm, sipping her homemade five-spice milk tea.
...
2 cups of milk, 2 cups of water, 4 cloves, 2 crushed green cardamom pods, 2 crushed black peppercorns, 1 cinnamon stick, peeled and chopped ginger, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of black tea.
Once you have these ingredients, put the milk, water, and spices into a pot.
Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
Add sugar and tea leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Watch as the tea leaves sink to the bottom of the cup and slowly rise again, swirling gently in the water, like tiny folded napkins.
Ginger and pepper are the base, while cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves elevate the flavor of this five-spice milk tea.
Finally, use a filter.
Strain the brewed five-spice milk tea, and it's ready to drink.
Take a sip, and the rich aroma instantly fills your mouth.
This five-spice blend is not a single flavor but a complex mix of carefully balanced spices, with a hint of spiciness, sweetness, and a subtle herbal note.
This unique and harmonious aroma dances gracefully on the taste buds.
The milk tea has a thick, smooth texture.
Like fine silk, it gently glides over the tongue.
Each sip reveals layers of flavor, combining the slight bitterness of tea, the richness of milk, and the spice of the five spices, creating a truly wonderful taste.
As the five-spice milk tea melts slowly in the mouth, the aroma becomes even more pronounced, making you look forward to the next sip.
...
A cup of milk tea.
It may seem like a simple combination of tea and milk, but it has magical power.
From the butter tea of border people to the Devon cream tea of Europe to the popular bubble tea, people speaking different languages can immerse themselves in the ever-changing world of milk tea!
Having experienced Indian cuisine, Shiomi Jun understands the importance of milk tea in the culinary world, so she has been studying how to better use spices in milk tea.
"In times like these."
"A cup of spicy five-spice milk tea truly feels wonderful!"
Swallowing, Shiomi Jun closed her eyes in contentment.
Only those who have tasted it can understand that this five-spice milk tea is more than just tea; it's like a homemade dish, a delicacy.
Using black tea as the base, it's boiled to release the tea's flavor and aroma.
Add some spices and milk, and the taste is pure and unique.
This gives Shiomi Jun a sense of clarity!
Maybe, in this world, it's not just wine that can make people intoxicated but also this slightly spicy milk tea!
...
Gradually, Shiomi Jun entered a trance.
She gently stepped into a bathtub filled with milk, and the warm milk instantly wrapped around her body, bringing an unprecedented sense of comfort.
The silky texture of the milk gently massaged her skin, soothing her tired body. It was like a dreamlike sensory feast, making her forget the troubles of the world.
In the bathtub.
The milky white milk was silky smooth.
As hot water was added, the milk became warm and released a more enticing fragrance.
Closing her eyes, the outside world's noise and pressure seemed to disappear, leaving only the milk's scent and the warm water's gentle whispers.
This tranquility and comfort made Shiomi Jun feel as if she had entered a heavenly realm.
As time passed.
The magic of the milk bath began to show, making her skin smooth and delicate, more radiant under the light.
However.
At this moment.
A sudden presence broke the serene and beautiful atmosphere.
"Jun, long time no see!"
The voice was somewhat rough and old but carried a tone of authority and familiarity!
"Huh?"
"You... you are..."
Opening her eyes in surprise, Shiomi Jun, still immersed in the taste of five-spice milk tea, instantly woke up.
She turned around and, upon seeing the visitor's face, her expression changed dramatically!
...
"Sen... Senior, long... long time no see!"
As a graduate and professor of Totsuki Academy's 73rd generation, Shiomi Jun had connections with Azami.
Back when she was in the Polaris Dormitory, upperclassmen Dojima Gin, Joichiro, and Nakiri Azami treated her as a junior. Especially Nakiri Azami, who took great care of her, unlike Joichiro, who often teased her with dark cuisine.
So, in Shiomi Jun's mind, she respected and admired Nakiri Azami.
Of course.
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Totsuki Academy had just gone through a shocking coup, causing everyone to be on edge.
And at such a critical moment, this long-unseen "senior" came to visit her in person.
Jun would not naively think he came for a casual chat!
...
"Unbelievable."
"After all these years, you haven't changed a bit. Still so young, no, so immature!"
Seeing the still youthful-looking Shiomi Jun, Azami smiled faintly, then found a chair, crossed his legs, and sat down.
"Senior!"
"Please get to the point."
Shiomi Jun replied seriously.
"Good, I like dealing with smart people."
"Let's be direct. I want to invite you to join the newly established Central Gourmet Institute. With your exceptional knowledge of spices, you could become my right-hand person!"
"You know, Totsuki is undergoing a major transformation, and it needs talent."
"So..."
"No!"
"Senior, you and I are not on the same path."
"I appreciate your high regard for me, but I will never work for the Central Gourmet Institute."
Shiomi Jun interrupted, refusing before Azami could finish.
"Hmm?"
Azami's eyes tightened slightly.
...
"It seems you hold no regard for me as your senior!"
Azami restrained his powerful aura, took out a document from his pocket, and said, "You should know about the abolition of research societies. After the school festival, the first to be abolished will be..."
"What?"
"You... you want to destroy the Shiomi Research Society?"
Shiomi Jun's face showed panic, and she stepped back a few steps.
"I am the new Director, and the fate of any research society is in my hands."
"Those who oppose me will face consequences, as seen with the three Elite Ten members I ousted!"
Azami sneered.
"You..."
A bead of cold sweat slowly formed on Shiomi Jun's forehead.
Only now did she realize that the Azami before her was no longer the senior Nakiri Azami she once knew!
...
"Jun!"
"Let me handle this."
Hayama Akira, who had been out collecting herbs, returned to see this scene.
He stepped forward and said to Azami, "I am willing to join your Central Gourmet Institute in place of Shiomi Jun, but on the condition that you preserve the Shiomi Research Society."
"You?"
"Weren't you the runner-up in the Fall Selection, Hayama Akira?"
Azami looked at Hayama Akira and, after searching his memory, seemed to understand.
"You'll do!"
"But the Shiomi Research Society must be abolished. However, I can create a new institution within the Central Gourmet Institute for spice research, providing you with more resources and power!"
After a moment of thought, Azami stated his terms.
"Fine, I hope you keep your word."
Hayama Akira nodded.
"No, Hayama Akira, this is like working with a tiger!"
Shiomi Jun's expression was sorrowful, her tone almost pleading.
"Jun, you found me in the slums and became my most important family. I won't let you be hurt or saddened, nor let the Shiomi Research Society you spent half your life building be destroyed!"
Hayama Akira reassured her.
"Haha, the Central Gourmet Institute will soon hold preliminary selections for the Elite Ten. Hayama Akira, I'll be waiting for you."
With that, Azami turned and left.
...
During the Fall Selection.
Dojima Gin once said, "Too much power will eventually turn on you."
Doesn't the "Gourmet Demon King" Director understand this?
No!
He does!
As the leader of the culinary world and the Director of Totsuki, an elder.
Encouragement and warnings to young talents should logically come from the Director.
But why did Dojima Gin say it instead? Why did he dampen the enthusiasm of the promising event?
Because Dojima Gin had seen the example of too much power turning on itself during his growth!
Hmm!
This person was not Joichiro, but Nakiri Azami.
So, before Hayama Akira, the genius who faced the consequences of his immense power was Azami.
Dojima Gin saw the similarity between Hayama Akira's excellent performance in the Fall Selection and the young Azami.
...
In the original story.
Nakiri Azami indeed lost himself due to his immense power.
He eventually became a revenger. As the former first seat, he remained in close contact with Tots
uki through Dojima Gin.
Thus, Dojima Gin warned Hayama, hoping he wouldn't repeat Azami's mistakes.
On the other hand, this indicates that Hayama and Azami are similar, hinting that Hayama might follow the same path as Azami.
In contrast, Soma Yukihira, another outstanding performer in the Fall Selection, was initially driven by a desire to earn his father's approval.
Simply put.
He wanted to "become a better chef than his father."
Through various experiences, Soma realized that to reach the culinary peak, he must step out of his father's shadow, learn more ingredients and techniques, broaden his horizons, and present his "ultimate dishes" to diners.
So, Soma's focus shifted to "cooking," understanding that true strength in cooking brings people happiness.
Of course, to go further, he needed to meet someone he wanted to dedicate all his cooking to—a woman he loved!
...
Tonight, the tavern was busy as usual.
After Mana and Hisako, many customers arrived, including the unexpected Rindo and Momo!
"Zane, bring a bottle of wine."
Rindo casually found a seat and said to Zane.
"Alright, one moment." Zane fetched a bottle of peach blossom wine and handed it to Rindo.
Despite being a foodie, Rindo wasn't fond of alcohol. But feeling troubled, she quickly uncorked the bottle and poured herself a glass!
The wine had a rich yet gentle aroma.
Taking a sip, the fragrant wine smoothly flowed over the tongue.
A complex and rich bouquet lingered in the mouth, with a delightful peach blossom fragrance.
Rindo exhaled softly.
...
"Such a thrill."
"The wine here at the tavern is the best!"
Rindo put down her glass, praising Zane, and then ordered some side dishes.
They were:
Candied peanuts.
Century eggs.
Cold cabbage salad.
Stir-fried beef.
Two more bottles of wine, a bowl of white rice, and a plate of marinated fish!
"Momo, what would you like to eat?"
After ordering, Rindo turned to Momo and asked.
"Rindo, I'll just have a French apple tart."
Momo said after a moment's thought.
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