"Sui-kun, this gathering is a fantastic opportunity for our Shunkatei to increase its influence, thank you!" said Sonoka with a grateful smile.
"It's nothing," Sui replied, knowing that while Natsume wanted to win him over, her aim was also likely to gain Sonoka's favor.
However, his thoughts drifted back to yesterday. Hinako hadn't brought him lunch today, indicating that what transpired had deeply affected her. He realized he had been too impulsive, but he genuinely had feelings for her.
"By the way, Sui-kun, what kind of food should we prepare for the event?" Sonoka asked after some thought.
"Oh, it's a buffet. We'll prepare dishes just like we do at the restaurant. The ingredients and kitchen equipment will already be set up for us," Sui explained, as he had already consulted Natsume about the event.
Sonoka nodded in agreement.
Upon entering the manor, they were led to a luxurious building by staff. The spacious hall had several kitchen stations already set up, and many chefs were busy at work.
"These are all renowned restaurants," Sonoka noted, recognizing the logos on some of the chefs' uniforms. A wave of doubt washed over her, feeling a bit intimidated.
"It's alright, Sonoka-senpai. We're just as good as they are, aren't we?" Sui said, trying to reassure her. As the second-seat graduate, her cooking skills were more than a match for these chefs, though her self-confidence wavered.
"You're right." Sonoka smiled warmly, heartened by Sui's words.
The two of them arrived at their assigned kitchen station and began preparing their dishes since guests would soon be arriving.
"Which restaurant are you from?" A middle-aged chef from the neighboring station inquired.
He was dressed in a pristine white chef's uniform, with an elegant demeanor and a tall, lean figure. There was a natural charm about him.
"Are you from the Shiratsu family?" Sonoka asked, spotting the logo on his uniform. She appeared slightly surprised.
"Yes, I'm Shiratsu Kotaro, the head of the Shiratsu family," he replied with a proud tilt of his head, clearly taking great pride in his family's status.
"The Shiratsu family?" Sui thought, the name ringing a bell.
"The Shiratsu family has provided food for the Italian Consulate for generations. They're a well-known culinary lineage," Sonoka whispered to Sui, explaining in a low voice.
"I see," Sui nodded, now recalling why the name sounded familiar. Shiratsu Kotaro was likely the father of Julio Shiratsu, who would later become the new eighth seat of the Central Gourmet Institute. Though Kotaro had an Eastern appearance, his wife was probably Italian.
"Hello, Mr. Shiratsu. We are from Shunkatei," Sonoka greeted respectfully, bowing politely.
"The Shunkatei? Never heard of it," Shiratsu Kotaro said, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. Our restaurant has only been open for a few months," Sonoka responded, her face turning a little red.
"A few months? How could such an inexperienced establishment be invited to a prestigious event like this?" Shiratsu Kotaro remarked, his tone dripping with contempt.
The Head Chefs of other famous restaurants around them chimed in with their own displeasure. "Allowing such an unworthy restaurant here tarnishes the prestige of the event."
"Who even invited them?"
"I'll be reporting this oversight to Miss Natsume. The standards for this event clearly weren't upheld," Shiratsu Kotaro added confidently.
"Stop looking down on us!" Fabre, one of the assistants, snapped, his frustration boiling over. He had come with Sui and the others to help, though he initially had been reluctant to serve as an assistant.
Over time, however, Fabre had come to appreciate working at Shunkatei. Seeing the praise their dishes received brought him a sense of satisfaction he hadn't experienced before. Initially, he had resented Sonoka's talent, but now, he felt like a true member of the team, determined to make the restaurant successful.
"We were invited here by Miss Natsume," Sui stated calmly.
"Miss Natsume invited you?" Shiratsu Kotaro looked taken aback.
"Hey, are you guys here too?" A voice chimed in. It was Taki, another chef at the event.
"Isn't that Chef Taki Tsunozaki from Taki Amarillo?"
"Taki Tsunozaki, I heard she graduated second seat from Totsuki!"
"An impressive rising star."
The surrounding chefs were suddenly filled with admiration when they recognized Taki, who had gained significant fame.
"Taki-senpai, you're here too?" Sui asked, surprised to see her.
"Yes," Taki nodded, then turned to Shiratsu Kotaro. "As the second-seat graduate of the 89th class, don't you think Sonoko is more than qualified to attend this event?"
"What? She's the second-seat graduate?" The chefs' faces changed instantly upon hearing this, and their attitudes toward Sonoka and Sui shifted from scorn to respect.
If she truly graduated from Totsuki as the second-seat, her future in the culinary world was almost guaranteed to be bright. While Shunkatei might be unknown now, it was only a matter of time before it became a prestigious name.