After class, the students walked out of the classroom one by one.
The extracurricular life at Totsuki School is usually rich. The extremely high elimination rate keeps the students on edge, constantly working to improve their cooking skills. Some seize every opportunity to perfect their techniques, while others participate in various workshops, studying cooking with like-minded peers. In short, everything here revolves around cooking.
In Shiraki's impression, Erina should have been planning to confront a research group called the Sumo Hot Pot Research Association at this time. However, after speaking with Erina today, he learned that she hadn't yet approached this group. He wasn't sure why.
At first, Shiraki was a bit confused, but then he recalled Hisako Arato's words, full of concern. It seemed the comments he made at the opening ceremony had greatly affected Erina, causing her to lie in the health room all afternoon. That day, Hisako Arato had helped her get leave from class. Naturally, no one questioned it since Erina was one of the top ten students. But given Erina's mindset at the time, she couldn't even think about expanding the cooking building. She was more focused on the embarrassment she felt for fainting after a boy's words. The Sumo Hot Pot Research Association ended up slipping through her fingers because of this, and her plans were shelved.
Understanding the full story, Shiraki couldn't help but feel a little amused. He had mentioned it casually during the opening ceremony, but he hadn't expected Erina's reaction to be so intense. This situation was more complicated—and interesting—than he had anticipated.
"Erina."
After leaving the cooking class, Shiraki suddenly stopped in front of her.
"What's wrong?"
Erina's steps faltered, and after a brief hesitation, she turned to face him and asked.
"Do you have anything to do next?"
Shiraki thought for a moment before asking.
"Erina-sama is very busy!"
Before Erina could answer, Hisako Arato caught up quickly. "Erina-sama is going to study cooking now. It's a very important plan!"
"Hisako Arato?"
Seeing Hisako appear, Erina seemed momentarily surprised. She had told Hisako last night that she planned to work on a new dish today, but it wasn't urgent. It was more about enjoying the process rather than worrying about minor imperfections. She'd rather work on her dish than let God's Tongue taste food that might not meet her standards.
"Huh, so you're basically free?" Shiraki calculated how much time Erina would spend studying cooking. Since the morning class had just ended, she still had plenty of time. If she didn't have a tasting session, it seemed like she was free.
For Totsuki students, though, studying cooking was of utmost importance. Shiraki approached Erina, paused for a moment, then leaned in closer. "Actually, I just thought of something I need your help with. If you're willing to help, I'll give you a little 'reward.'"
"A reward? A reward?"
Erina's throat involuntarily moved as Shiraki lowered his voice. Her face turned bright red at an alarming rate, and she nearly started boiling over again.
"How's that? Interested?"
Shiraki grinned, seizing the moment.
"How—how could I be interested?" Erina immediately turned her head, her rejection firm. Hisako Arato, seeing this, nodded approvingly. Erina-sama always made decisive decisions. But as Hisako praised Erina in her mind, Erina changed her tune.
"But... it's not impossible to listen, just talk for now. But don't think I've agreed."
Click.
At that moment, Shiraki felt like he had turned to stone. She just rejected him cleanly, right?
"Then let's go to your cooking building first. Didn't you say you wanted to study cooking? The next thing I want to ask you about is related to cooking, so we might as well not waste time. Let's go."
"…Alright."
This time, Erina agreed much more willingly. Her cooking building was only a few dozen minutes away by car, after all. The two walked out of the teaching building, ignoring the surprised or unhappy stares behind them.
"Interesting, the relationship between these two is really not simple."
Not long after the three of them left, Nakiri Alice, who had mysteriously appeared, watched them leave in the car with great interest. She also hailed a car.
Kurokiba, standing in the back, looked indifferent, as if he found the whole thing unremarkable. He couldn't understand Alice's excitement.
"Then, it's inconvenient for Ryo-kun to join you for the rest of the work. You can go back first."
Alice, sitting in the car, waved at Ryo Kurokiba. He was clearly used to Alice summoning him at will and nodded before turning to leave in the opposite direction.
"Miss Alice, where are you going?"
The driver asked Alice as he started the car.
"Keep up with Erina's car in front of us, but be careful not to get noticed!"
Alice pointed with great interest at the black sedan ahead.
"Understood."
The two limousines followed one another, with the second car maintaining a discreet distance. It wasn't until Erina, Hisako Arato, and Shiraki had gone upstairs that they finally arrived.
Details of the situation: The conversation in the car had wrapped up. This time, Shiraki needed Erina to call someone, though the exact purpose was unclear. Still, Erina had agreed to make the call.
"The other party agreed to my invitation. They'll arrive in about two hours."
After hanging up, Erina briefly explained the situation to Shiraki.
"Alright, that's plenty of time."
Shiraki gave her an "OK" gesture, then pulled out a few test tubes filled with clear liquids and several can-like objects.
"What are you going to do?"
Erina asked instinctively, watching his movements.
"When I'm done, you'll understand."
Shiraki smiled mysteriously.
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