Boil the duck egg that has been incubating for 18 days, remove the shell. Drizzle it with fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle fried shallots, ginger strips, sea salt, and cilantro to enhance the taste and flavor.
After tasting the snake soup, Asahi Saiba took just 10 minutes to create:
**Balut!**
Balut is essentially a fertilized egg where the embryo has developed but the incubation process is halted.
In some cases, you can clearly see the down-covered chick, with all its organs and veins visible through the eggshell.
Who said you can't find bones in an egg?
In this Balut dish, you can definitely taste the bones.
When you pick up the Balut, you can see the underdeveloped head, blood-soaked claws, partially formed organs, and even feathers.
To be honest, in terms of horror and darkness, Asahi's Balut is on par with Rindo's snake soup!
Though it might seem unappetizing, once seasoned with spices, mountain lime, radish slices, pickled ginger, and a bit of lemon juice, it offers a unique flavor.
---
**The texture** was quite unique.
The inside of the egg had a soft, sticky texture.
When you bit into it, you could feel a custard-like smoothness.
Upon closer inspection, you could clearly see the partially formed chick, which was more tender and juicy, blending with the egg liquid to create a strange yet intriguing taste experience.
As you took a bite, a mild egg fragrance greeted you.
Next came a subtle texture between raw and cooked, making the egg flavor even more intense.
The lemon juice added a refreshing acidity.
**The flavor** was well-balanced and harmonious!
"How is this possible?"
Rindo, who personally tasted a bite, was filled with disbelief.
Whether a dish is considered intense depends on how people accept it.
What you might find overwhelming could be ordinary to someone else, and what they find intense might seem trivial to you.
In the end, every region has different eating habits and preferences.
In the past, people's food choices were more influenced by their surrounding environment.
For Rindo, who specializes in rare ingredients, a mere Balut isn't enough to scare her. But what surprised her was how Asahi used a partially incubated egg, combined with some seasonings, to completely outshine her snake soup!
"Midnight Chef?"
"Is this the extent of your power?"
In the end, a defeated Rindo gave Asahi a deep, scrutinizing look and sighed.
---
Like a warm harbor, the tavern always attracted weary travelers, friends gathering for a meal, and food lovers seeking culinary delights.
The dining area was meticulously arranged, with comfortable cushions, delicate tableware, and decorations that showed respect and care for the guests. Diners gathered around the tables, savoring various dishes, enjoying the pleasure of good food and drink.
In front of the cooking station, Zane often worked busily but efficiently.
Every dish he prepared was a feast for the senses.
Whether it was the exquisite sushi, fresh sashimi, or the sizzling grills and stews, everything was mouthwateringly delicious.
"Shopkeeper."
"Have you heard about the recent Midnight Chef incidents?" Miyoko, who had been drinking a bit, stared at Zane with slightly hazy eyes.
"Yeah, I've heard some things."
Zane replied as he carefully wiped his chef's knife.
"I got a message from my father this morning. He said that our family restaurant in Yokohama's Chinatown had to close down because of the Midnight Chefs."
Miyoko couldn't help but feel down as she spoke.
Even though that place held painful memories due to the strong preference for boys over girls, it also had many cherished memories for her.
Now, the restaurant was in crisis.
And from far away at Totsuki Academy, she was powerless to save it.
She knew deep down that she lacked the broad-mindedness of others. Even if she succeeded someday, even if she could establish herself at Totsuki and make a name for herself in the culinary world of Japan, she would never be able to align her career value closely with the mainstream recognition of life's worth like men can.
"Don't be too hard on yourself."
"Some things you don't have to carry all on your own."
"Many restaurants, inns, and hotels have closed down because of the Midnight Chef incidents."
"But I believe that these events don't define a chef's future."
"To me, every chef still has infinite potential."
"So, you should keep working hard to achieve your own success."
"I believe that one day, you'll restore your family restaurant in Yokohama and make it greater than ever."
Zane offered comforting words.
"Yeah… I understand," Miyoko replied, blinking back tears, touched by his words.
---
A glass of liquor, clear and rich.
Leonora Nakiri had just arrived at the tavern, looking calm and composed.
Her bright eyes were fixed on the glass in her hand.
With delicate fingers, she skillfully stirred the ice cubes in the glass with a silver spoon, making no sound at all.
Finally, she gently dropped a bright red cherry into the glass.
The soft yellow light from the lamp above cast a warm glow on the deep red cherry liqueur, like a beautiful sunset reflecting in the amber-clear liquid.
The color of the cherry liqueur was deep and rich, like ripe cherries, exuding a faint fruity fragrance mixed with the aroma of the liquor, creating an intoxicating scent.
The transparency of the drink.
The redness of the cherry.
All of this combined to create a delightful visual experience.
Then she picked up the glass, gently swirling the liquid, making it dance in the glass like a graceful spirit.
The crimson hue of her nails mirrored the luxurious color in the glass, and then, under Zane's watchful eyes, she took a small sip.
The flavors of the fruit and the liquor intertwined in her mouth, creating a unique taste experience. The drink was smooth and silky, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, making it feel as if one were in a cherry orchard, savoring the sweet freshness of the fruit.
This glass of cherry liqueur was not only rich in flavor but also carried deep cultural significance. It symbolized romance and passion, representing beauty and happiness. As she savored the cherry liqueur, it was as if she were tasting the sweetness and joy of life itself.
---
"Mmm~"
"This drink is so refreshing!"
"With the sweet and crisp cherry, it's soft and fresh on the palate!" Leonora finally came back to her senses.
She opened her eyes and stole a glance at Zane. Seeing his calm and composed expression, which always seemed to exude a graceful charm, she couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat!
"Zane, with so many restaurants closing down lately, it seems like your tavern's business is booming!"
Leonora couldn't help but chuckle, her words slurring slightly from the alcohol as she blinked playfully.
Zane, now finished with his tasks, found a seat next to Leonora, planning to chat with her for a bit.
He twitched his nose slightly, catching a faint, delicate scent in the air.
This fragrance was different from the jasmine scent that usually clung to Mana; instead, it was more like the fragrance of roses.
They say you can recognize someone by their scent!
Each woman's natural fragrance is truly unique.
"So, what brings you to my tavern tonight?"
Zane asked.
"I was lonely!"
"So lonely. No one to talk to, no one to play with!"
"You know how Alice has been busy preparing for the exams. It's been just me alone in the dorm room at Totsuki Academy, and it's really boring!"
"So, I came here tonight to get something to eat and have a chat with you like this."
---
She noticed her glass was empty, so she reached for the nearby bottle to pour herself another drink.
"Let me do it."
At that moment, Zane grabbed the bottle from her hand.
"What?"
"That… that's so sweet of you!"
Feeling the warmth and touch of his hand, Leonora suddenly felt like she was being electrocuted, her heart in a whirlwind of emotions!
She glanced at Zane.
To be honest, she liked his personality—gentle and considerate!
Sometimes, his every move was so elegant that it made Leonora, who had rarely encountered such a charming young man, feel her heart race!
---
"Zane."
"They say experts are lonely."
"As someone whose culinary skills are unmatched, do you ever feel a certain emptiness in some aspects of your life?"
"Especially since you're still sticking to this little tavern instead of going out into the world!"
Leonora blinked, curiosity piqued, as she asked the question.
There were many things about Zane that intrigued her!
"Hmm?"
"Why are you asking such a question out of the blue?"
Zane was taken aback.
"I'm just curious!"
"Not everything needs to be questioned out of curiosity. Don't you know that when a woman starts to be curious about another man, it's the beginning of trouble?"
Zane chuckled.
"What!"
"I… I'm a well-traveled woman. There's no way I'd be fooled by a kid like you!" Leonora's face turned red as she listened to Zane, feeling a mix of emotions.
Then.
She took another sip of her drink and replied with mock anger.
"Can't say for sure!"
"Even Mana fell for me, so who's to say you won't?" Zane chuckled as he lightly touched his nose.
"Huh?"
"That's so conceited!"
Leonora rolled her eyes at Zane.
Still.
In her heart, she felt a little something! Ugh, why
can't I seem to stay at Totsuki Academy? Why do I always end up coming to this tavern to drink so early in the day?
Could it be that I really have feelings for Zane?
At that moment, Leonora's mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts!
---
"In your view."
"Even someone with Mana's God Tongue must bow to me! So who could possibly keep up with my pace?"
"As a result."
"You might think of me as a lonely person."
"But, running this tavern all by myself, I don't feel lonely! In fact, being surrounded by people all the time, I actually feel quite at ease!"
"Only now do I realize that going it alone can have its own unique charm!"
"At least I feel free! I can do whatever I want, and I don't have to do what I don't want to do. I can live each day exactly how I please!"
At this point, Zane's smile faded, and he spoke earnestly to Leonora.
"Ah!"
"That's true!"
"I have to admit, you're someone who just wants to live your life for yourself! You clearly have such incredible culinary skills, yet you're content just running this small tavern!"
Leonora couldn't help but feel touched as she listened to Zane.
Thinking about herself.
In the past, she served as the head of the Nakiri International Research Department!
Her daily life consisted of being holed up in a lab, working with a bunch of men who only cared about research, developing new techniques, and creating new dishes!
Was it lonely?
Honestly, that life made her feel incredibly lonely!
If it weren't for her daughter, Alice, who kept her company, she might have even thought about ending it all!
That's why, when the Headmaster asked her to come back to help with the Fall Selection and the outdoor training courses, she immediately returned to Totsuki Academy!
Simply put.
She genuinely wanted to escape that place!
For a restaurant!
What do customers care about? Just three things:
Great ambiance!
Great service!
Delicious food!
---
The ambiance doesn't have to be overly luxurious, but it must be clean and tidy, ideally matching the restaurant's theme and leaving a lasting impression.
As for service.
There's no need to explain that.
Diners come to a restaurant primarily to eat, not to be greeted with attitude!
Also.
To be honest.
A restaurant can have a great ambiance and excellent service, but if the food isn't good, that restaurant is likely headed for bankruptcy!
After all, the main reason for going to a restaurant is to satisfy your appetite.
Even if the ambiance isn't perfect, and there's a bit of a down-to-earth feel, cheap yet tasty food will keep diners coming back!
---
Everyone gets bored or lonely sometimes.
While there are plenty of ways to pass the time nowadays—like going to karaoke, hitting up a bar, traveling, shopping, or watching movies—none of these methods compare to the comfort that a cold glass of liquor can bring.
When it slowly slides down your throat, it quickly soothes the soul.
----------
For 10 advance chapters: patreon.com/angelictranslating