The eggs were unusually soft, filled with slices of squid and shrimp, which gave the dish a robust seafood flavor, complemented by the sweet taste of vegetables. The strong aromas of rosemary and basil wafted through the air, filling the room like a fragrant storm.
"Mmm, delicious," Sonoka murmured, stroking her cheek, her innocent face filled with bliss.
"It's really good," Hinako chimed in, also eating happily, a look of pure contentment on her face.
Having tasted Akira Hayama's cooking at the Autumn Elections, they weren't too surprised by the quality of his dish. However, Hoshino Miyuki and the others were astounded.
"Is this really made by him? It's incredible!" Miyuki exclaimed.
"Yeah, as expected of the Autumn Selection champion. If I recall correctly, every champion has ended up in the top three at Totsuki," Ono Kenro added, nodding solemnly. "Especially the way he uses spices—it's truly remarkable."
They couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about Sui's upcoming dish. Having never tasted his cooking before, they were uncertain about his true abilities. Sui was often seen preparing sashimi in the kitchen, but sashimi relies heavily on knife skills rather than complex cooking techniques.
Megumi clenched her fists, worried for Sui. Although she trusted his skills, Hayama was formidable. Aside from Erina, few in the first grade were more powerful than him.
"See? This is the strength of my intern," Taki said proudly.
"Let's see what you've got," Hayama said confidently to Sui. His self-assurance was unwavering, as even someone like Erina couldn't faze him. He believed that one day, he would surpass her.
Over time, Sui had gained celebrity status at Totsuki. Many regarded him and Erina as equals in the first grade, but Hayama wasn't convinced. He wanted to prove that he was the best, and he had the talent to back it up.
Sui smiled calmly as he brought out his dish. "Please, try this. It's my dish."
"Huh? What is this?" Sonoka's cute face was full of curiosity as she examined Sui's dish. "Is this 'steamed dumpling'?"
On the plate were several round buns with bulging centers, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. They looked incredibly appetizing.
"But these look a little different from ordinary 'steamed dumplings'," Taki remarked. The addition of sesame seeds and seaweed crisps was unusual.
"Ara, what exactly is this, Sui-kun?" Hinako asked with a smile, tapping her lips with her finger.
"This is actually a Japanese dish. You'll understand once you taste it," Sui replied with a slight smile, offering no further explanation.
"Japanese food?" The others were puzzled.
Despite their confusion, they each picked up chopsticks, grabbed one of the buns, and began to taste it. Hinako blew on hers to cool it down before taking a bite.
The 'steamed dumpling' skin was incredibly soft and elastic. Upon biting into it, the fragrant aroma of rice filled her senses.
"Eh? Clams? And fish?" Hinako blurted out in surprise. If she remembered correctly, traditional 'steamed dumplings' were usually made with glutinous rice and lean meat. Why clams and fish?
And yet, the taste was oddly familiar.
"Wait a second… Isn't this 'oyster and fish rice'?" Hinako suddenly realized.
*
This was a traditional Japanese dish.
"That's right," Sui confirmed. "The original method for making 'oyster and fish rice' involves pouring broth over the rice, placing oyster meat on top, and cooking it all together with rice wine." He smiled. "But I decided to wrap it in 'steamed dumpling' skin and steam it instead."
"I see!" Sonoka exclaimed. "That's why you called this a Japanese dish."
"You actually combined two kinds of cuisine?" Taki was stunned. The traditional pairing of rice, oysters, and fish was transformed into something new and exciting when wrapped in 'steamed dumpling' skin.
The flavor of Hayama's seafood-baked egg, which had lingered pleasantly on their tongues, was instantly eclipsed by Sui's dish.
At that moment, the girls felt as though they were being enveloped in the warmth of the steamer, the sensation almost overwhelming.
"It's so hot, I feel like I'm melting," Hinako said, her cheeks flushed as she continued to savor the hot, freshly steamed buns, making small, breathy noises as she ate.
"Me too, it's really hot," Sonoka agreed, her face also turning red. She instinctively tugged at her collar, causing her chest to bounce, exposing more of her pale skin.
As they devoured the steaming hot 'steamed dumpling', all the girls felt like they were being steamed themselves, their faces flushed and drenched in sweat. Yet, despite the heat, they couldn't stop eating.
Hayama watched the scene unfold, completely stunned.
It was hard to tell how much time had passed, but eventually, everyone finished their meals.
"It's already autumn, but I feel so warm," Hinako said, her snow-white cheeks glistening with sweat. She unbuttoned her collar slightly, revealing a sliver of skin.
"Yeah, it really is hot. Is it because of the food?" Sonoka added, her cheeks still flushed.
"I never expected that this student could blend two cuisines so seamlessly. It's remarkable." She smiled at Sui, her tone soft and adorable.
One couldn't help but imagine Taki's earlier antics, where she slapped Sonoka's chest in jealousy.
"Well, it's time to vote," Hinako said with a smile, dropping her coin into the bowl in front of Sui.
Ono Kenro and Megumi followed suit, also placing their coins in Sui's bowl.
Sonoka, without hesitation, chose Sui as well.
In the end, four out of five judges cast their votes for Sui.