"Hey, is it really alright for someone like that to be a judge?"
Sōma couldn't help but ask.
"Are you questioning my qualifications?"
Ann's eyes narrowed as she spoke.
"Ah, no, that's not what I meant. It just seems like you look down on ordinary chefs like me."
Sōma rubbed the back of his head, his tone awkward.
"That's absolutely not the case!"
Ann stood up, spreading her arms wide, her expression softening into a gentle smile. "Although... I do think you're a bit foolish."
Clearing her throat, she added, "Ahem, even if you don't have a star, it doesn't mean your cooking has no value. Whether you're a renowned chef or someone like you, who has little to no standing, as long as you present a dish, I will offer an objective and fair critique."
Despite her serene smile and seemingly encouraging tone, Sōma felt as though she was looking at him like he was trash.
"Did... did she just call me an idiot?"
He turned to Megumi for confirmation.
Megumi gave a strained smile. Although Ann's tone was always polite, it was clear she didn't take them seriously at all.
"Alright then, let's get to the review. My time is limited."
Ann turned to Kujo Eisuke and asked, "I hear you're a graduate of Totsuki?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Kujo Eisuke nodded.
"I recall the last restaurant I reviewed was also owned by a Totsuki graduate. The place was called Kiri, and the head chef's name was Inui Hinako."
Ann's lips curled into a sweet smile.
"Inui Hinako?"
Sōma and the others couldn't help but exclaim. They had fond memories of the kind and beautiful guest lecturer.
"Oh? You know her? Indeed, she's quite talented. Her restaurant recently earned a two-star rating. I hope your establishment won't disappoint me."
Ann smiled as she took her seat.
"What should we do, Chef?"
The other chefs in the restaurant anxiously looked at Kujo Eisuke.
Looking serious, Kujo replied, "Though we're ahead of schedule by ten days, a Totsuki student pointed out some flaws in our dish earlier. Perhaps we can use that advice and give it a shot."
The kitchen staff nodded solemnly.
They didn't have time to practice, but at this point, they had no choice but to push forward.
"Let's see how this turns out,"
Yoshino said, her curiosity piqued.
The others agreed and decided to sit down and watch, enjoying their desserts while the review unfolded.
Ann, meanwhile, sat calmly in her chair, flipping through a thick stack of books as she waited.
An hour and a half later, Kujo Eisuke emerged from the kitchen, carrying a dish.
"Please enjoy. This is our restaurant's signature dish: Canandaigua Chicken Francese."
He spoke in a deep, serious tone.
Ann closed her book, inspected the dish before her, and gave a small nod.
Sui exchanged a glance with Kujo Eisuke, silently asking for reassurance.
Kujo's face twisted into a strained smile. Though Sui had pointed out their mistakes earlier, fixing them would take time and practice—neither of which they had.
But there was no other option now; they had to push forward and hope for the best.
Ann delicately cut a piece of chicken, brought it to her nose for a quick sniff, smiled sweetly, and then took a bite.
Everyone in the restaurant watched her with bated breath, including Sui.
If Sui was right, helping this restaurant overcome its challenges likely referred to passing the WGO review. If they could secure a one-star rating, he'd have completed his mission.
"Hmm?"
An's expression lit up as she softly exclaimed, "The chicken is wonderfully sweet, paired with the fresh fragrance of lime—an excellent dish."
Hearing her praise, Kujo Eisuke and the other chefs felt a wave of relief wash over them. It seemed the dish had passed her initial test!
"So, Ms. Archon, does this mean our restaurant can expect a one-star rating this year?"
Kujo Eisuke asked eagerly.
"Although the dish is quite good, there's just one problem..."
Ann's smile remained, but her tone suddenly shifted as she added, "No."
The mood in the restaurant plummeted.
The earlier joy evaporated, replaced by crushing disappointment, as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over everyone. Despair hung heavy in the air.
"W-why? Why not?"
Kujo Eisuke asked, his face darkening. "Didn't you just say the dish was good?"
"It is, but you used far too much honey, making the overall flavor overly sweet. Plus, the marinade was left on too long, giving the dish a strong, overpowering taste..."
Ann quickly listed off several flaws in rapid succession.
"Damn it..."
Kujo Eisuke's face twisted in frustration. He had substituted Daizo mustard for honey mustard when cooking, but honey mustard already contained honey, so he should've reduced the amount used elsewhere. It was an oversight.
"She's tough,"
Megumi whispered in awe.
"Yeah, makes me feel better about sticking to my family's diner."
Sōma nodded in agreement.
"Ms. Archon, please, give us another chance!"
The chefs and staff of Kujo's restaurant dropped to their knees, pleading.
"I'm on a tight schedule. I still have three more restaurants to review today. You'll have to wait until next year."
Ann's voice remained gentle, but her words carried no warmth. She stood, gathering her books, and began walking out of the restaurant with unhurried steps.
Sui, watching, felt a headache coming on. So, he still hadn't succeeded? Would his mission end in failure?
"Wait a moment, Ms. Archon!"
Kujo Eisuke made one last desperate attempt, but Ann didn't even glance back.
"Excuse me, your name is Ann, correct?"
Sui finally stood up and called after her.
"Is there something else you'd like to add?"
Ann turned, her red eyes devoid of emotion.
"If I create a dish that satisfies you, would you reconsider your evaluation?"
Sui asked.
"Not interested,"
Ann replied coldly. "I don't have the time."
"What if I could create a brand new dish based on this one?"
Sui pressed on.