The sound of fabric tearing filled the room.
"This is it!"
Both Erina and Alice exchanged surprised looks when they heard it. They both seemed to realize something at the same time.
A satisfied smile spread across Erina's face.
Meanwhile, Kaguya, who stood nearby, looked puzzled and didn't quite understand what had just happened.
Ryuji leaned in slightly and explained with a chuckle, "Nakiri Senzaemon is sometimes called the 'Demon King of Food.' When he tastes something truly exceptional, his clothes have a habit of tearing apart from sheer culinary pleasure."
"What? Is that even possible?" Kaguya gasped. Was this really something a normal person could do?
"..."
Ryuji just shrugged. He hadn't believed it himself until he saw it happen right before his eyes. Some things in this world defied belief.
He had to admit, some aspects of this world were downright bizarre.
Soon, Senzaemon returned, dressed in a fresh set of clothes.
"Apologies for that display!"
He looked at Ryuji with an apologetic expression.
"No need to apologize."
Ryuji waved it off with a casual smile. "If anything, it just proves how incredible Erina's cooking is."
"Hahahaha!"
Senzaemon laughed heartily at the compliment.
"Erina's skills have indeed progressed rapidly!"
The term "Divine Tongue" might sound exaggerated to some, but it was a real talent that allowed Erina to create perfectly balanced dishes. It was almost like a cheat code for cooking.
"Now, it's my turn!"
Alice's smile was a bit strained, but she wasn't one to back down. She couldn't just give up, it wasn't in her nature. She wanted to hear Ryuji's judgment, no matter what.
"Alright!"
Senzaemon sighed inwardly but didn't say anything out loud. He agreed to taste Alice's dish as well.
Ryuji and Kaguya had no reason to refuse either.
Though molecular gastronomy often seemed showy, there was a reason it had gained recognition. If it were just a gimmick, no one would take it seriously.
Alice's dish was also delicious. However, unlike with Erina's dish, Senzaemon's clothes remained intact this time.
Alice noticed, her smile faltering for a moment. But without hesitation, she turned to Ryuji, eyes full of determination.
"Ryuji, which dish do you think is better?"
After all, this was a competition for Ryuji's approval, and in the end, only his opinion mattered.
Erina, who stood nearby, watched him intently, her expression serious.
"Honestly? They're equally matched."
Ryuji paused for a moment, thinking carefully before giving his answer. It wasn't that he preferred Alice's dish more, but he found her genuine and straightforward nature more appealing than Erina's usual tsundere attitude.
Still, saying Alice's dish was better just to spare her feelings wouldn't be right either. She wouldn't find satisfaction in that.
"What?"
Alice's eyes widened, while Erina looked equally shocked.
"How could they be equally matched? I mean—"
"Erina."
Senzaemon's voice cut in before she could continue.
Erina's biggest flaw was her inability to let go of competition. It wasn't that she couldn't accept losing; it was more that she always needed to prove herself.
"I…"
Despite feeling frustrated, Erina bit back her words when she saw the stern look in her grandfather's eyes. She quieted down, although her expression remained dissatisfied.
Alice, on the other hand, blinked a few times before a grin broke across her face.
"Ryuji didn't want me to feel bad because he likes me, right?"
Alice said it with a hint of playfulness, but her eyes were searching for the truth.
"Hey!"
Kaguya, who had been silent, suddenly looked at Ryuji, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
So, this was competition. She had just been starting to appreciate Alice's cooking, but now—no way!
Alice noticed Kaguya's sudden defensive posture but merely smirked. Was she intimidated by a little girl? Hardly.
"You're missing the point," Ryuji said, meeting Alice's eyes with a small smirk of his own. He raised a finger as if making a point. "I'm not a professional food critic. I don't have the expertise to break down the subtle intricacies of each dish."
There was a moment of silence as everyone digested his words.
Of course! Ryuji wasn't a food expert.
"To me, both dishes were exceptional," Ryuji continued. The difference between dishes at this level would come down to minute details, ones that he simply didn't have the inclination to pick apart.
He came here to enjoy himself, not to overanalyze every bite. Focusing on tiny differences would just ruin the joy of the experience.
"...Fair enough,"
Erina said, seeming to accept his explanation. This time, it was indeed a draw between her and Alice.
To be honest, that was a first.
But it didn't matter. There would be more opportunities to compete in the future, and Erina was confident she'd win next time.
With that thought, she shot Alice a look full of determination.
Unfortunately for her, Alice wasn't paying attention. Instead, she leaned forward on the table, hands bracing herself, eyes locked on Ryuji.
"So, Ryuji, you didn't deny that you were favoring me just now!"
Out of everything, this was what mattered most to Alice.
"..."
Kaguya didn't say a word, but the chopsticks in her hand were starting to crack under the pressure of her grip.