"Why? This should be the busiest time of day. Why are there fewer customers?"
Suzuki Shoichi frowned deeply, unable to understand the situation.
Could it be those two kids across the street?
But then he laughed, shaking his head. Even if they had extraordinary talents in taste, it didn't mean much. They might become excellent food critics one day, but it was impossible for them to surpass him as chefs at such a young age.
Thinking of this, he stepped outside the restaurant to take a look. What he saw left him stunned.
The once quiet restaurant across the street now had a long line of customers waiting outside. The patrons who once filled his own establishment were few and far between, and more were flocking to the competition.
"How about we try that ramen today?"
"Forget it. I heard from the couple next door that Uncle Laat has a new type of noodle. It's supposed to be incredibly refreshing and unique."
"Really?"
"Yeah, apparently there are two new chefs, and their dishes are outstanding!"
Most of the customers were locals, and word of new food traveled fast. Suzuki Shoichi's face darkened as he muttered to himself, "New cuisine? What's that supposed to be?"
——
"Sui, we need five more bowls of Galaxy Noodles."
"Miss Erina, table three wants three bowls of tonkotsu ramen."
Luna delivered the prepared dishes to the customers and reported the new orders to Sui and Erina.
Although Luna now knew Erina's name, her imposing aura still made Luna nervous, and she continued to use formal titles.
"Got it," Sui replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Sui was responsible for making the Galaxy Noodles, while Erina handled the other dishes. With her elite Tōtsuki Academy training, her ramen was just as popular as Sui's creations.
The Laat family had their own roles too. Uncle Laat handled the cooking, Luna cleaned the tables and was also a server, and Yoko washed the dishes. Although they were getting on in years, the sight of their bustling restaurant filled them with energy and excitement.
"Shop owner, is your family in charge of the cooking? Your daughter-in-law is really something! Not only is she beautiful, but she makes the best tonkotsu ramen I've ever had!" a middle-aged customer praised while eating.
"Yes, you're so fortunate! She looks like a movie star," another chimed in, unaware of the situation.
Uncle Laat laughed proudly without correcting them. "Of course! My boy girlfriend is amazing!"
Erina clenched her teeth in frustration, muttering under her breath, "How shameless! If I had known, I never would have come to help!"
Despite her embarrassment, the warm atmosphere in the restaurant stirred something in Erina. She had rarely experienced the warmth of family, and despite her complaint, she found it comforting.
Meanwhile, Luna, serving more food, appeared troubled, though no one noticed.
——
"We'll be heading out now," Saori said as she and her group approached to say goodbye. It seemed their gathering was over.
Ruri hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Thank you... today's food was really delicious."
"Huh?" Sui was taken aback, clearly not expecting Kuroneko to offer a compliment. "I thought you were going to say the food was awful."
Ruri bit her lip, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger.
"Haha, that's just how she is. We'll be back soon!" Saori laughed.
Neither Ruri nor Kirino objected to the idea.
——
"Is this what they call 'new cuisine'?"
A voice rang out as Suzuki Shoichi from the noodle shop next door walked in. He glanced at the Galaxy Noodles the customers were eating and sneered, "What's so great about these dark, cold noodles? They don't look appetizing at all."
"Haha, isn't this the chef from next door?" Erina scoffed, raising her chin slightly. "Couldn't stand losing business, so you came over to investigate?"
Sui was speechless. Erina was still holding a grudge from when Suzuki Shoichi had mocked them earlier. Her tsundere nature, always prideful and vindictive, was on full display.
Of course, Sui didn't intervene—there was no need to show mercy to someone like Suzuki.
"Watch your mouth, kid!" Suzuki's face twisted with anger.
"Oh? Are you not here because you couldn't handle seeing your customers leave for us?" Erina taunted with a mocking smile.
Suzuki's face flushed, his true intentions laid bare.
"Well then, why don't you try it? See for yourself the difference between high-end and low-end cuisine," Erina said coldly, placing a bowl of Galaxy Noodles in front of him. "Once you've tasted it, just accept that your restaurant is no match."
"You little brat!" Suzuki turned pale with rage. He hadn't expected his earlier insults to be thrown back at him.
Luna, overhearing the exchange, secretly rejoiced. Though she'd once felt some hostility toward Erina, she found it hard to dislike her now. Erina's sharp wit and talent had earned her respect.
"What's so great about this ugly dish?" Suzuki grumbled, staring at the bowl in front of him. But despite his words, his hand betrayed him, picking up his chopsticks and lifting a piece of noodle to his mouth.
The moment he tasted it, he was overwhelmed by an unprecedented flavor.