Inside the kitchen, Kikuchi Sonoka, oblivious to everything happening outside, was still diligently cooking, humming an unknown little tune.
Soon, she finished making the sandwiches. She was about to go and wake Dylan and Alice Nakiri, but seeing them sleeping so peacefully, she silently withdrew from the room.
"I should go back and get some more sleep. Is that kind of thing really so exhausting? It seems I need to build up my energy."
Eating a sandwich while watching a romantic soap opera on TV, various thoughts appeared in Kikuchi Sonoka's mind.
Only with sufficient energy could one better get through the night. But Dylan, having been busy all night, might have already used up all his ammunition.
If that were the case, then what he said on the train that day would have been empty talk.
If he was really that weak, she would have to tease him mercilessly tonight!
"Small fry~ Small fry~"
This thought appeared in Kikuchi Sonoka's mind, and a slight smile lifted the corners of her lips. Oh, how she wanted to call Dylan Sensei "small fry" when he was exhausted!
Hmph, who told him to be so strict during culinary guidance? He had even scolded her to tears several times this past month, leaving her with a belly full of grievances she didn't know how to express!
Of course, because she knew Dylan was doing it for her own good, Kikuchi Sonoka didn't blame him.
It was just...
Lying on the bed, her mind filled with the various events of this period, Kikuchi Sonoka's face turned slightly red, and she hugged her pillow tightly.
Before long, the young woman drifted off to sleep.
When she woke again, she found herself in a warm embrace, a large, warm hand on her skin. When she opened her eyes, she saw the young man's handsome face.
"Dylan Sensei, why did you come over? Weren't you with Alice..."
Looking at the man before her, joy welled up in Kikuchi Sonoka's heart, along with a little surprise. Logically speaking, Dylan should be with Alice right now.
Why did he suddenly appear here?
"After all, we had a deal. Tonight is your time. I set an alarm, and then I rushed over to be with you without stopping."
His fingers gently stroked Kikuchi Sonoka's silk-like hair. Looking at the young woman's flushed face, Dylan felt his heart race.
"Then why didn't you wake me up, just watching me secretly from the side? I think I was drooling just now, wasn't I? I must have looked awful while sleeping!"
Reaching up to touch the corner of her lips and feeling the residual saliva, Kikuchi Sonoka's face turned red, and she spoke with a slight, playful reproach.
She didn't want Dylan to see her ugly side!
"Not at all. My dear Sonoka looks like a sleepy little piglet when she's asleep. It's very cute. It's rare to see you sleeping so soundly; how could I bear to wake you? It's a good chance to build up your energy, so you don't say you're done after just a few rounds."
"How is being like a little pig cute! Hmph! I've been saving up for a whole month; how could I be done after just a few rounds!"
Kikuchi Sonoka pouted and retorted speechlessly.
Thinking about all the various things Dylan had done to her over the past month, her face burned hot. Unfortunately, all those things stopped short of the final step, leaving her hanging.
Now, she finally had a chance to get release!
Thinking of this, Kikuchi Sonoka turned over and sat on top of Dylan, her hair draped over her back, and spoke in a voice that was soft but audible to both of them:
"I don't need any sense of ceremony. Right now, look at me, and do to me all the things you wanted to do before but forcibly restrained yourself from doing!"
The blanket, draped over her body, was brought up with her. Kikuchi Sonoka pressed her hands against Dylan's chest, her eyes filled with restrained endurance.
"Then it would be rude of me to refuse."
Looking into her eyes, Dylan was also somewhat moved. He then opened his arms towards the young woman in an embracing gesture.
Although he really wanted to replicate yesterday's process, the young woman could no longer bear it now, so he naturally wouldn't pretend to be noble.
"I love you, Dylan."
"I love you too, my dear Sonoka."
After a few days of wild abandon at the hotel, Dylan took Alice Nakiri and Kikuchi Sonoka to play at a nearby scenic area.
On this day, the three of them were at an aquarium looking at fish.
"Dylan-nii, look, look! This fish is so colorful and beautiful!"
Ring-ring-ring~
Just as she was getting excited, the phone rang suddenly. Alice Nakiri took out her phone with some annoyance, looked at the unfamiliar number, and after a moment's hesitation, finally answered the call.
"Hello, what can I do for you?"
Being interrupted on a date would make anyone unhappy, especially when she was having a private chat with Dylan and had just gotten to the good part.
"So cold, Alice..."
Leonora Nakiri's voice came from the other end of the phone, causing Alice Nakiri's expression to change slightly. She then walked to a quiet corner.
Dylan and Kikuchi Sonoka exchanged a glance. In their view, little Alice had been nodding and agreeing ever since she answered the call, and the expression on her face had changed from happy to gloomy.
After a while, she hung up the phone, sighed softly, and looked at the two of them.
"I'm sorry, I probably can't continue playing anymore. The family is holding a banquet the day after tomorrow, and my mother wants me to go back now."
Alice Nakiri said with a hint of tears in her voice. She also wanted to stay here, but she had no choice.
Although she could skip the family banquet, it would easily cause her mother to lose face in the Nakiri family. As a daughter, she was unwilling to let that happen.
"There's one more thing, about Dylan-nii..."
Saying this, Alice Nakiri's expression became somewhat hesitant, as if she didn't know where to begin.
But upon seeing Dylan's worried eyes, the complexity in her heart suddenly settled down.
"Do you want me to accompany you?"
Before she could speak, Dylan guessed her thoughts first and said with a smile.
"Actually, it's not absolutely necessary, but grandpa asked mom, saying that if possible, Dylan-nii could go with us."
Alice Nakiri explained the situation, looking at Dylan with some embarrassment in her eyes.
"Then let's go together. It's gotten a bit boring just traveling and sightseeing. It's time to get down to business."
Thinking of what Senzaemon Nakiri had told him during their night run, a thoughtful expression appeared on Dylan's face, and he then said with a smile.
"You're willing to go with me?!"
Hearing Dylan agree, Alice Nakiri was somewhat surprised.
The Nakiri family banquet, to be honest, was very boring. It was just everyone gathering for a meal, and then testing the growth of the younger generation over the past year.
Of course, if that was all, she wouldn't be so resistant.
The key was that the Nakiri family was a large clan, with several hundred members in total, divided into two factions. This generation was led by Senzaemon Nakiri.
Because he was a Six-Star Special Grade Chef.
And every time she went home, people from the other faction would jump out to provoke them. Although they were just harmless words, they were very annoying.
After all, they were all relatives, and each side controlled some of the Nakiri family's assets. Even Senzaemon couldn't just get rid of them.
This time, Senzaemon Nakiri had her invite Dylan to go with them, probably with the idea of boosting the prestige of their faction.
This was originally a good thing.
But.
Personally, Alice Nakiri didn't really want Dylan to get involved in the family's factional disputes, because she knew her master hated trouble the most.
"The old master himself has spoken; I naturally have to give him some face. Besides, the Nakiri family isn't a dragon's pool or a tiger's den. As the Nakiri family's prospective son-in-law, it's only natural for me to pay a visit."
Stretching his muscles slightly, Dylan spoke.
Senzaemon Nakiri didn't even mind him courting both of his granddaughters at the same time, so he certainly wouldn't disrespect him.
"I love you, Dylan-nii!"
Alice Nakiri joyfully hugged Dylan's neck.
She didn't care about the long journey.
But with Dylan accompanying her, she wouldn't be bored this time she went back. It would definitely be fun. How could this not be something to be happy about!
"Are you all going to the Nakiri house? Then I'll go home for the New Year. It's been a while since I've seen my parents, and I miss them."
Having played together for so long, Kikuchi Sonoka also felt satisfied. Although it was a bit regrettable to part ways now, she didn't feel sad.
After all, a separation now was for better enjoyment in the future.
Dylan had once promised her that after he led this batch of Tōtsuki students to graduation, they would travel the world together. That should be a very happy time.
As for the time in between.
She decided to open a 'Western-style eatery.' Because what she studied at Tōtsuki was Western cuisine, and what she later consulted Dylan on were also related to Western cuisine.
As for the location of the shop.
Originally, she planned to open it in Hokkaido, but she had already confirmed her relationship with Dylan, and staying by his side would allow her to learn more.
So, she decided on the new shop's location at the foot of the mountain of Tōtsuki Academy, which would also be convenient for Dylan to stay over at her place and do some happy things with her.
Thinking of the madness of that night, of Dylan's proposal, Kikuchi Sonoka shyly covered her face, too ashamed to let others see her blushing appearance.
"That's good too. New Year's is for family reunions. I have no one to rely on here, so being with Alice is quite suitable."
Dylan nodded. Looking at the young woman's shy appearance, he couldn't help but pat her head, then looked at Alice Nakiri.
"We shouldn't delay. Let's set off now. It will take some time to drive from here to the Nakiri house. You can help me with the directions. But before that, let's drop Sonoka off at the station first."
Clapping his hands to get both of their attention, Dylan quickly stated his plan. This way, they could arrive at the Nakiri house by evening.
The family banquet was on the third day, which meant they could rest for a day after arriving at the Nakiri house, building up their energy for the competition to come.
The Nakiri family banquet, besides eating, had another activity, which was for the younger generation to have culinary spars.
While testing what they had learned over the year, it could also determine the distribution of benefits between the two factions.
After all, the younger generation would sooner or later become the elders and would have to take over the Nakiri family's industries in the future. It was most appropriate for their spars to decide the distribution of benefits.
"Let's do that then. I have no problem."
"I have no problem either. I just checked on my phone, there's a ticket back home in two hours. I'll give my parents a surprise later!"
Thinking of her parents' faces when they saw her, a slight smile appeared on Kikuchi Sonoka's lips.
"Then let's set off."
After dropping Kikuchi Sonoka off, Dylan drove, and under Alice Nakiri's directions, headed towards the Nakiri house.
The drive was about seven or eight hours. The sky changed from a high sun to dusk, and the car finally stopped in front of a luxurious manor.
Lowering the car window, the two saw a beautiful woman walking towards them.
"Alice, little brother Dylan!"
Leonora Nakiri had been waiting at the entrance early on. Seeing a car come up and stop, she took two steps forward, standing on her tiptoes to see the people inside the car.
After confirming that the people inside were Dylan and Alice Nakiri, a look of pleasant surprise appeared on her face. She then opened her arms and hugged the two who had just gotten out of the car.
"It's been a long time, Nora-nee."
Feeling the impact from the mature woman's running embrace, Dylan lightly hugged her waist, feeling that astonishing softness. His heart fluttered, but his face showed no change.
"It feels like you've gotten much stronger. When I hugged you, it felt like hitting a piece of iron. The muscles on your body are truly intoxicating."
Moving away from the two, Leonora Nakiri's little finger inadvertently brushed against Dylan's chest muscle as she spoke in a half-joking tone.
"Mom is still the same as before. It's getting late now, have you prepared rooms for us?"
Imperceptibly pulling Dylan a little closer, Alice Nakiri stepped forward and took Leonora Nakiri's hand, leading her towards the interior of the manor.
Dylan looked at their backs and followed, at the same time observing the interior of the manor, clicking his tongue in wonder.
This manor before him was simply too large.
At the entrance of the manor stood a magnificent archway, on which were carved intricate patterns and the Nakiri family crest.
Upon entering the manor, the first thing one saw was a carefully paved stone path, lined with green trees and blooming flowers.
Following the stone path forward, Dylan saw several ancient-style buildings, including traditional Japanese residences, tea houses, warehouses, and even a stable.
These buildings adopted a traditional Japanese architectural style, with a main theme of elegance and a focus on nature. Dylan saw sliding doors and paper screens, an early and popular style of Japanese architectural decoration.
And in the center of the manor, a statue now stood. It was of a majestic man, wearing a chef's hat and holding a spatula.
He stood ramrod straight, his gaze firm and profound, as if watching over every corner of the manor, guarding the family's glory and heritage.
"This is?"
Dylan stared for a long time. Alice Nakiri and Leonora Nakiri, seeing him stop, also stopped and followed his gaze forward.
"This is our Nakiri family's ancestor, Nakiri Saemon. He was a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef and also the sky of the Japanese culinary world at that time. It can be said that without him, there would be no Nakiri family. So he is placed here, to be worshipped by the Nakiri family for generations, and for later generations to appreciate his style."
Leonora Nakiri came to Dylan's side and explained softly, her eyes filled with respect as she looked at the statue.
As a member of the Nakiri family, she had specially studied the deeds of the first generation at the request of the Nakiri family after her marriage and knew his greatness.
"I see, a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef? It's a pity he's not in this era, otherwise I would really like to have a match with him."
Looking at the statue, Dylan shook his head, a look of disappointment on his face.
The chefs of this era, because they didn't have inner energy, their skills were not even as good as those of ancient times.
At least in the year he traveled, the relatively formidable names he heard were all ancient chefs, who had long since passed away for many years.
"Who has such a big tone? To actually want to challenge my great ancestor."
A slightly displeased voice came from not far away. The three immediately turned their heads to look and found a man in a well-tailored suit.
The man frowned slightly as he looked at them, especially at Dylan, who had just spoken.
"I was wondering who it was. So it's Soe's wife and daughter. Is this the son-in-law they brought? I suggest you teach him some etiquette and respect first."
A woman in luxurious clothes appeared beside the man. She was very beautiful. Looking at Dylan standing between the two women, her words were filled with disdain.
"Etiquette and respect? Master Dylan is the youngest Seven-Star Special Grade Chef in history, an existence who is about to become an Eight-Star. To want to compete with an opponent of equal strength, how does that warrant such words? If we're really talking about etiquette and respect, to be disrespectful to a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef, the ones who should be reprimanded should be you, Third Uncle and Third Aunt."
Just then, Erina Nakiri's voice came from not far away.
The young woman had seen Dylan from afar. She had originally wanted to wait for him to come over to create a chance encounter, but who would have thought he would stop in front of the stone statue and be run into by her third uncle and aunt who had returned at the same time.
Originally, this was nothing. A few feigned greetings, and the matter would have passed. Who would have thought they would be overheard.
"Seven-Star Special Grade? Him? Cousin Erina, don't joke! Do you even know what a Seven-Star Special Grade is? At this age, even reaching Special Grade would make him an absolute genius! You've probably been deceived by this shameless person!"
A sarcastic voice came from not far away. The group looked over and saw two women and a man walking this way, a faint mockery on their faces.
"A person's vision is only as big as their experience. You all stay at the bottom of a well all day; it's normal that you don't know there are geniuses in the world."
Hearing their words, Erina Nakiri said sarcastically.
"What did you say?"
Among the three, the taller girl was the first to lose her temper, her gaze cold and provocative.
"We're saying all this for your own good, so you won't be deceived by people. But you, you take our good intentions for ill will!"
Compared to the tall girl, the shorter girl's methods were clearly more sophisticated.
She put on a tearful look, as if she had suffered a great injustice.
"Alright, alright, we're all relatives, don't argue over an outsider. Whether it's true or false, we'll know with a simple test. Since he's a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef, he should be able to make the legendary Flowing Light Cuisine, right!"
The man among the three stood out, acting as a peacemaker, but his ill-intentioned gaze was fixed on Dylan, not looking kind at all.
"Who do you think you are? How dare you test Master Dylan's level! A guy who doesn't know his place."
Alice Nakiri frowned and couldn't help but curse directly.
She wasn't afraid of these people. Because she had lived abroad since she was a child, she had no relationship with these relatives and didn't need to feign civility with them.
Moreover, these people before her were from the rival faction. They would find fault at the slightest disagreement. This was also why she hated the family banquet that made her feign civility.
"Since he's a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef, he should be able to make the legendary Flowing Light Cuisine, right!"
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