"This is absolutely delicious! It has to be one of the best egg tarts I've ever tasted!" Alice closed her eyes in delight, her expression intoxicated. At the same time, her mind was filled with surprise. She hadn't expected such culinary talent from a first-year student!
Judging by the quality of this dessert, he wasn't any less skilled than her!
Meanwhile, Sui also picked up an egg tart and took a bite.
"Hmm, it's decent," he nodded. Although his God Tongue could still detect many flaws, overall, this was a well-executed dish.
As his culinary skills deepened, the dishes he created—especially those he made for the first time—were becoming more refined. If he had to grade it, this tart would score between 30 and 40 points in the system.
By now, Alice had finished her tart. Licking her lips, she eyed the remaining tarts hungrily.
"What are you up to? Didn't you say you only wanted one?" Rindō eyed her warily.
"Come on, Senpai! You didn't even make these, so what's the harm in me having a few more?" Alice puffed her cheeks, pouting in dissatisfaction.
"No way! You're the only outsider here!" Yoshino chimed in.
"Exactly, you should be grateful we even let you have one!" Ryoko added.
In this moment of rare unity, Yoshino, Ryoko, and Rindō formed an alliance, each standing guard over the egg tarts, determined to protect their treasures from the intruder.
"You guys are being so mean!" Alice protested, her face pale with anger. She then leaned in closer to Sui, whispering, "Hey, help me out here! I can introduce you to my cousin, Erina—she's the school's sweetheart!"
Sui was speechless. Erina's been living with me for ages, and I've seen way more than just her photo. Do I really need you to introduce us?
"Quick, eat before it's all gone!"
"That's right, gobble it up!"
"Hey, don't take mine! Rindō-senpai, you've already had four!"
In the midst of Alice's distraction, Yoshino, Rindō, and the others had already started devouring the tarts, their mouths stuffed full.
"My egg tarts! You guys are the worst!" Alice wailed, realizing the situation. Without hesitation, she dove into the fray, fighting to claim her share.
Although Sui had made a large batch of egg tarts this time, there were too many people. Rindō had two tarts stuffed in her mouth and one in each hand, looking like a reincarnated glutton. Alice, Yoshino, and Yukihira were faring no better. In just moments, all fifty egg tarts were gone.
Even Megumi had managed to eat quite a few.
Sui felt deflated. He had worked so hard, yet only managed to eat one!
"Ah, that was so satisfying! These egg tarts are incredible!" Rindō patted her belly, letting out a contented sigh.
"Yeah, they're much better than ordinary egg tarts," Alice agreed.
She then sidled up to Sui. "Hey, classmate, what ingredients did you use for these tarts? Can you share the ingredients?"
"Not a chance," Sui rejected her without hesitation. He knew that once she got the ingredients, she'd be back asking for more.
"Stingy!" Alice puffed up her cheeks in frustration.
"I had such a great meal today. I'll definitely come again next time," Rindō said, waving as she prepared to leave.
"That's right, Sui, we'll be back for sure!" Yoshino added, beaming.
Come again? Sui's expression darkened. These two were notorious big eaters!
"I say, why don't we make this our regular hangout spot?" Yoshino suggested.
"No objections here!"
"That's a great idea!" Sōma and Rindō echoed, nodding in agreement.
Sui could only sigh in dismay. If these guys started raiding his kitchen regularly...
"I won't eat for free, I promise!" Rindō clapped Sui on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring nod. "And if anyone gives you trouble, just tell them you've got me behind you!"
"Hey, we're friends now, right? I'll definitely drop by often," Alice said with a smile.
Visit me? You mean my cooking, Sui thought, rolling his eyes in silence.
Afterward, Yoshino, Megumi, and the others helped clean up before saying their goodbyes and heading back to the dormitory.
When Sui finally returned to his mansion, Erina was already home.
"You're back early today?" Sui asked.
"Yeah, not much tasting work today," Erina replied, then asked, "So, what's for dinner?"
Every night, the two would cook together—both to satisfy their appetites and to critique each other's dishes.
"Egg tarts," Sui said, still feeling a bit bitter that he'd only eaten one earlier.
"Sounds good." Erina smiled and nodded.
"Do you want to take a bath first?" Sui asked.
"You go ahead. Let me know when you're done," Erina replied.
Sui nodded and started undressing.
Erina's forehead twitched in annoyance. Gritting her teeth, she snapped, "Can't you at least wait until you're in the bathroom to take your clothes off?"
"Here you go. Be careful when you wash them," Sui said, handing his clothes to the exasperated tsundere.
With a look of disgust, Erina took the clothes. "Yeah, yeah. Got it!"
At that moment, the bedroom door suddenly opened.
"Erina-sama, I just remembered that tomorrow..." Hisako entered the room mid-sentence, only to stop in her tracks when she saw Sui standing there, wearing nothing but his boxers.
The room fell silent.
Though the atmosphere was quiet, panic surged through Erina.
Oh no, Hisako found out! If word of this gets out, it'll bring shame to the Nakiri family!
As Erina's mind raced, Hisako finally spoke.
"This dream is so strange... I dreamed there was a man in Erina-sama's bedroom."