"It's over. I should probably write a letter to my mom, to let her and the folks back home know that I might be returning soon," said Megumi, her face full of despair upon hearing the news of the upcoming advancement exams.
At that moment, she was on the verge of tears.
"We just saved the dorm, and now it's already time for the advancement exams?" Yuuki, standing next to Megumi, looked equally grim.
"In any case, the Central Gourmet Organization plans to use this advancement exam to completely crush any remaining resistance they couldn't destroy with the hunting of dissidents," Satoshi said thoughtfully. "It's clear that this announcement from Eishi is essentially a declaration of war. Anyone who doesn't follow Azami will be mercilessly eliminated."
"So, does that mean students who don't agree with Azami's reforms will automatically fail no matter what dishes they present?" Ryoko sighed, feeling even more hopeless than Megumi and Yuuki.
...
The night grew deeper.
A bright, full moon hung high in the sky, casting its soft light over the earth and adding a touch of mystery to the dark night. The gentle breeze carried a chill and the rustling sound of leaves.
"Table 24 ordered a thick omelet and a potato salad," called out Mikuji, who was busy in the kitchen.
"OK, Erina, you handle the potato salad," Zane said, glancing at Erina.
"Got it. Leave it to me!" Erina replied confidently.
She picked up a sharp kitchen knife, the blade reflecting her delicate features. She made a small cut on the surface of the potatoes before boiling them. Once cooked, she set them aside to cool, then peeled them.
Next, she sliced cucumbers and onions, salting them briefly. She mashed the potatoes and carrots together, adding eggs, corn, onion, cucumber, and ham. She mixed in yogurt, squeezed some mayonnaise, and sprinkled black pepper on top.
The potato salad was complete!
The bustling scene in the tavern reminded everyone of the practical training sessions.
...
As everyone knew, potatoes were a common ingredient. They even rivaled bread as a staple food, with an average annual consumption of 60 kilograms per person. Potatoes could be prepared in many ways: fried, baked, mashed, or made into balls.
Erina's potato salad, with green lettuce, yellow potatoes, red carrots, and white mayonnaise, looked beautiful. A bite revealed the juicy freshness of the salad. The carrots were crispy, and the sweet and slightly sour mayonnaise made it a delightful dish.
Erina had never been fond of such common dishes, often even disliking them. But under Zane's influence, she began to open her heart to them. She realized that good food didn't need to be complex or fancy—just delicious.
This was why she strongly opposed Azami's reforms.
...
To Erina, Azami's reforms aimed to control all Totsuki students, preventing independent creativity unless they joined the Central Gourmet Organization. This would mean controlling the future of the country's culinary scene. Graduates would be forced to cook only the organization's dishes, making the cuisine uniform and fixed.
In the long run, Azami would control the entire culinary industry of Japan.
Erina, influenced by Zane's tavern, believed that unique local restaurants had their own strengths. Forcing uniformity would erase many classic or unique dishes.
Different people had different tastes, and a forced system would disrespect individual preferences. While it might seem like retribution for the privileged, it would be unfair to the general population.
If her talent as a judge became the sole standard, it would limit the diversity of cuisine. This could eventually lead to the decline of exceptional dishes.
...
"Hmm? So, this is where you are hiding?"
A figure appeared suddenly at the entrance of the tavern. He was in his thirties, with short black hair and dark eyes, his expression usually cold. Even in mild weather, he wore a black coat.
He stepped inside, taking in the tavern's warm light, wooden furniture, and traditional atmosphere that reminded him of old China. The elegant decor and cozy ambiance were inviting.
Eating and drinking, customers gathered in small groups, enjoying their time together. The tavern, though modest in size, was warm and peaceful.
"Hmm? So, he found her."
Seeing Azami for the first time, Senzaemon, who had just finished his ramen, frowned slightly.
...
"Father, you... how did you..."
Erina, seeing Azami, felt her mind go blank. She couldn't handle his stern gaze and felt a rare sense of fear on her usually confident face.
"Erina, I thought you'd hide at the Totsuki Resort or some five-star hotel, but here you are in a small tavern making potato salad," Azami said as he casually took a seat.
In Azami's eyes, food was divided into two categories: noble, artistic cuisine, and lowly, unworthy food. While both were consumed by people, it didn't change their "lowly" nature.
Zane, surprised by Azami's visit, knew that the recent turmoil at Totsuki was due to Azami. It had been hard enough to give Erina a place to hide at the tavern, but now her father had come to find her.
"What can I get you?" Zane asked quietly as he approached Azami.
"Hmm?" Azami, just seated, raised an eyebrow.
He began to scrutinize Zane. The young man had black short hair, bright eyes, and an upright posture that made him look like a young pine tree, exuding confidence.
In Azami's first impression, Zane was indeed handsome.
"Quite the handsome young man. No wonder my Erina is so taken with you, even preferring to stay here rather than come home."
Azami looked away and said quietly.
Indeed, Zane's good looks were hard to miss. Although he still had some youthful features, his actions and demeanor suggested someone elegant and reserved.
...
Ignoring Zane, Azami turned to Erina and said, "Erina, listen to me. Throw away this food. I must have taught you before that such common dishes should go in the trash."
"Father, no... I can't," Erina replied, shaking her head. "I know the more precious the dish, the more special it is. But seeking good food is about the surprise it brings. To me, any dish, whether costly or humble, is worthy if it brings joy and satisfaction!"
Azami's face darkened at her words.
It seemed that in the years since he had left Totsuki, Erina had changed significantly.
"Erina, have you forgotten my teachings?" Azami said with a faint smile, though his eyes were stern. "Lowly dishes have no place in this world. Now, throw them away. I want to see you discard this food with your own hands."
...
After being gone for over ten years, Azami had returned to reclaim control over Erina.
To build his culinary empire, Erina was a key asset, a weapon.
Erina, trembling, reached for the food, seemingly about to throw away the dishes she had made at the tavern.
Despite her hesitation, her fear of Azami was too great. She prepared to dispose of the food, gritting her teeth.
"Yes, that's right. Be a good girl and throw it away!" Azami said, smiling faintly. "Remember, cooking isn't about lowly food, but about creating art. After this, come with me back to Totsuki, back to the Central Gourmet Organization. There, your talent can be properly honed to become the world's greatest weapon!"
...
Azami's teaching methods were rigid but effective.
According to his ways, one could produce many outstanding chefs while eliminating those deemed unworthy, ultimately raising the standard of high cuisine.
This strict method was akin to a perfect textbook education.
Totsuki's traditional system, with its less than ten percent graduation rate, might not produce as many top chefs as Azami's method, but it ensured they were elite.
Such an elite education system, however, also led to tragedies like Joichiro's.
Zane saw the value in both systems but believed Azami's reform was another extreme.
...
"Erina, another order of mapo tofu. Help me with the beef," Zane called out.
Erina, lost in thought, snapped back to reality.
"Okay, coming!" she replied, hurrying to help, ignoring Azami's bewildered expression.
What? My carefully trained daughter, swayed by someone else?
"Azami, don't you see?" Senzaemon said with a slight smile, sipping his sake.
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