"Sorry, I was thinking about something just now and didn't notice your condition."
Although Erina Nakiri had figured it out, Dylan couldn't possibly nod; that would truly be admitting he was a pervert?"
"Ah…"
Erina Nakiri didn't say anything more. She just stared into Dylan's eyes, hoping to see panic or some other emotion there. Unfortunately, there was none.
The young man's eyes were as still as stagnant water, calm and devoid of emotion, like an inanimate object.
"If it's Dylan-sensei, I don't feel it's that big a deal, hmm, but still, being stared at like that, it's a little… a little embarrassing."
Compared to Erina Nakiri, who had crouched down to cover her body, Yūki Yoshino appeared much more at ease. At this moment, she had one hand on her hip and the other holding a whole lamb shumai. She looked as if nothing had happened, but her flushed cheeks and slightly stammering voice revealed her inner turmoil.
Beside her, Ryōko Sakaki was equally embarrassed, but she didn't show panic. She just quietly turned her back, adopting an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach.
Although she had a good impression of Dylan and appeared mature and dignified, she was still a pure-hearted young girl who had never even held a boy's hand. Facing a situation like this, she was naturally at a loss, but thankfully, she wasn't fighting alone.
"Erina-sama."
Seeing Erina Nakiri, whose face was written with mortification, Hisako Arato took an apron from the kitchen door and handed it to her, her own small face flushed deeply.
Although she wanted to escape immediately, she couldn't abandon Erina Nakiri, so she decided to sacrifice herself to protect her.
The two words, loyalty and righteousness, were perfectly exemplified at this moment!
However, if the subject was Dylan, Hisako Arato could actually accept it. After all, he was her ideal type, and also the person she respected most.
Dylan glanced at them a few times, then stopped paying attention. He strode to the kitchen counter, picked up a lamb shumai and began to chew.
A very pure meat aroma. Bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and shrimp played a harmonious role within, while also enhancing the shumai's texture.
And because various parts of the lamb were used, with one bite, the essence of the entire lamb gathered within the mouth.
The sense of satisfaction it brought in that instant made one sigh from the bottom of their heart.
"Then make a thousand of these, to serve as appetizers for the Summer Selections."
A satisfied smile appeared on his face. The taste of the whole lamb shumai exceeded his expectations; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was among the top three dishes he had made this year!
"Appetizers?"
"Dylan-sensei, are you planning to distribute the whole lamb shumai at the Summer Selections?"
After putting on her apron, Erina Nakiri noticed Dylan's words and revealed a surprised expression.
If this dish appeared in the preliminary round of the Summer Selections, she couldn't imagine how unfriendly it would be for the subsequent competitors.
After tasting a top-tier dish, it would be difficult to feel satisfied with relatively ordinary dishes that followed, and the scores would drop significantly.
It seems Dylan-sensei intends to give the participants of this Summer Selections a wake-up call!
"Using this method to prevent preliminary round qualifiers from becoming complacent and to keep pushing forward—brilliant, truly brilliant! Truly worthy of Dylan-sensei!"
Pondering Dylan's words, many thoughts surfaced in Erina Nakiri's mind, eventually settling on the educational aspect.
Dylan-sensei must not want those guys to become overly arrogant, which is why he's doing this.
"What's with that look…"
Looking at Erina Nakiri, who was trying her best to show a 'I understand you' expression, Dylan furrowed his brow, his head full of question marks, somewhat unable to grasp what she was thinking.
But never mind, her thoughts weren't important.
"Alright, you all go back to your rooms, change your clothes, and then continue your research. Don't mind me."
He sighed. If he couldn't understand it, he wouldn't dwell on it.
Turning around, he continued to focus his energy on wrapping the whole lamb shumai, Dylan said nonchalantly, pretending not to notice.
Although he had already seen everything he should and shouldn't have, he still had to keep up appearances. After all, he was a gentleman.
"Let's go back to the room first."
"Let's go."
Seeing Dylan fully engrossed in wrapping the shumai, Yūki Yoshino patted Ryōko Sakaki's shoulder, made a gesture to leave, and then hurried out of the kitchen.
"Erina-sama, let's go change our clothes too."
Looking at Erina Nakiri, who became even more heart-fluttering after putting on the apron, Hisako Arato stood before her and extended a hand to her, who was still kneeling.
Because they frequently trained here, the rooms on the second floor had been converted into changing rooms and shower rooms, so they could comfortably take a hot bath after a day of cooking.
It's just that they never expected to use them so early.
Looking at the apron, wet in one spot, Erina Nakiri's lips curved slightly. Then she took two whole lamb shumai, intending to eat them when she got to the bathroom.
At that time, even if she was mortified again, she would be alone, so there would be no need to worry about being seen.
Soon, the four people left the kitchen one after another.
Dylan saw that it had quieted down behind him. Without any unnecessary movements, he silently continued wrapping the whole lamb shumai.
The day of the Summer Selections.
"What a magnificent venue!"
"Cooking here, it's like a swordsman fighting a match with people watching!"
Inside the vast venue, heads bobbed amidst the crowd. Everyone had arrived half an hour early, fearing they might miss this grand event if they were late.
"Miyoko, over here, over here."
"Mito, come here!"
At the Polar Star Dormitory's gathering spot, Megumi Tadokoro waved to Miyoko Hojo, who appeared at the entrance, while Yūki Yoshino spotted Ikumi Mito in the crowd and went to greet her, pulling her into their group.
"The preliminary rounds are about to start, I'm so nervous! Even though I've prepared thoroughly these past few days, Totsuki is now full of powerhouses. Everyone is unfathomable; I don't think it'll be easy."
Yūki Yoshino anxiously looked around, familiar faces everywhere.
Knowing there were no weaklings present, she dared not relax in the slightest.
"Don't worry, with Yūki's skill, you'll definitely be fine!"
"I also think it's not a big problem, but I'm just very nervous. If all the really strong people are grouped with me, then my chances of advancing will be greatly reduced."
Seeing Yūki Yoshino somewhat nervous, Megumi Tadokoro took her hand and gently comforted her.
After receiving comfort, Yūki Yoshino, however, started to mutter to herself.
"It feels like you've really changed a lot, Megumi-chan."
Ryōko Sakaki stood beside the two, and seeing this scene, she couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
"Have I?"
Megumi Tadokoro was surprised.
"Yes! Megumi-chan, you've become incredibly reliable now. If before you were a naive little sister, now you're a mature big sister."
Looking at Megumi Tadokoro's subtle expression, Yūki Yoshino nodded firmly. She had seen the other's transformation with her own eyes, and honestly, she was truly happy for her!
"No matter who the opponent is, just go for it! What's there to be nervous about?"
Listening to their conversation, Miyoko Hojo shrugged indifferently. Having followed Dylan for so long, she had developed her own pride.
Unless she lost terribly, she would never admit defeat. Even if she lost temporarily, she would find a way to win it back.
Such a person naturally wouldn't feel nervous.
"This is truly exciting!"
Ikumi Mito didn't join their conversation. Instead, she looked straight ahead, then was surprised to see a figure jogging onto the podium.
The next moment, the lights in the venue suddenly dimmed.
At the same time, everyone's gaze turned to the sole light source in the venue: the glittering main stage located at the very front.
"Thank you for your patience, esteemed guests. Please turn your attention to the stage before you."
"Next, the Academy Director, Senzaemon Nakiri will deliver the opening address."
Holding a microphone, Urara Kawashima energetically stepped onto the stage, giving a wink to the audience.
As her voice faded, Senzaemon Nakiri, who had been backstage, slowly walked forward. Using the stage lights, his gaze scrutinized the students below. With each step, his aura intensified.
"Senzaemon Nakiri…"
"The rumored Gastronomic Demon Lord."
Seeing Senzaemon Nakiri appear, the surrounding discussions grew quiet, but not a single person showed fear. Instead, they were all burning with fighting spirit.
Looking at the students before him, Senzaemon Nakiri showed a satisfied expression. At the same time, he dramatically inhaled a breath of the air in the venue in front of everyone.
"Breathing in the air here, one can feel a surging power within their body. This venue is called 'Tsukiten-no-Ma.' Originally, it was a place reserved exclusively for Elite Ten Shokugeki. To show respect to past First Seats, we have a tradition of hanging their portraits here."
As Senzaemon Nakiri's words fell, spotlights illuminated one by one, revealing the portraits hanging on the walls of Tsukiten-no-Ma.
"Here, countless famous duels have taken place, and countless renowned dishes have been born. It is precisely because of this that the lingering presence in the air here is the accumulation of years of battling memories! Next, the main event of the Summer Selections will be held here. You all will forge new history! Let us meet again here! O chefs of Totsuki Academy's 92nd generation!"
As Senzaemon Nakiri's words concluded, the venue instantly erupted in enthusiastic cheers. The calm atmosphere ignited, and all the students became hot-blooded by these words.
"Even if I can't take first place, I'll still give the audience an incredible match!"
"I'll definitely pass the preliminary rounds!"
"If gods block, kill gods! If Buddhas block, kill Buddhas! My name will definitely be on the list of preliminary winners!"
As Senzaemon Nakiri finished his speech and stepped down, Urara Kawashima, holding the microphone, jogged onto the stage and stood before everyone.
"Next, let's go over the rules for this preliminary round. As written in the communiqué, the theme for this round is 'Lamb,' and the time limit is three hours. Out of fifty-four participants in the preliminary rounds, sixteen will advance to the knockout stage. That means eight people will be selected from each of the two large groups."
Making an 'eight' gesture with her hand, Urara Kawashima's face showed seriousness and solemnity.
"Why are there so few people…"
"Are they being squeezed to this extent in one go?"
Hearing Urara Kawashima's words, the surrounding students immediately began to murmur among themselves, but not a single person in the venue retreated. Many even trembled slightly from excessive excitement.
"All competitors, please proceed to your assigned A or B group areas as quickly as possible. The group lists have been sent to your phones. The preliminary rounds will officially begin at eleven o'clock sharp."
"Let's go."
"Let's finish this in one go!"
Cheers and motivational shouts like these continuously filled the air. The atmosphere instantly became incredibly fervent, and everyone in the venue wore an expression of unwavering determination.
"I'm in Hall A, Ryoko. See you in the finals!"
"Mm, bye-bye."
Watching Yūki Yoshino, who drew Hall A, Ryōko Sakaki waved goodbye to her.
"I'm in Hall B. Let's go together."
Ikumi Mito looked at the information on her phone, then jogged to Ryōko Sakaki's side, inviting her to go together.
"Sounds good, let's go together then."
Ryōko Sakaki casually took her hand. As she spoke, she unconsciously ran a hand through her hair, radiating mature charm from head to toe.
"Erina-sama, I'll go take the assessment first."
"Mm, I look forward to your performance, Hisako."
Gently stroking Hisako Arato's cheek, Erina Nakiri's eyes held encouragement. As her secretary, she had to make it to the finals, didn't she?!
"I'll do my best!"
After saying this, Hisako Arato walked towards Hall A without looking back. No matter what, the first step was to qualify from the preliminary rounds.
Not just for Erina Nakiri, but also for Dylan.
Having diligently trained by Dylan's side for so long, if she couldn't even pass the preliminary rounds, he would probably feel his reputation diminished.
At that point, out of consideration, Dylan might not say anything, but she definitely wouldn't be able to get over that hurdle herself. Such a mentor-student bond might very well end.
Therefore, this was a preliminary round she absolutely could not fail!
With a resolute gaze, Hisako Arato stepped into Arena A, carrying an unstoppable momentum that made those around her unconsciously shift their feet, instinctively avoiding her intensity.
"Let the cooking begin!"
As all the students took their places, the giant clock hanging high above struck 11 o'clock.
Senzaemon Nakiri's face suddenly appeared on the large screen above everyone's heads. With an impassioned voice, he passionately shouted to the people below.
It was at this moment that all the students in the venue sprang into action. Everyone focused their gaze on their cutting boards, earnestly beginning to prepare the dishes they had researched during this period.
Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri, not competing, sat in a high-up VIP box, calmly observing everything happening below.
"It's really youthful and hot-blooded, isn't it? Too bad I can't compete alongside them."
Alice Nakiri swung her legs, her voice tinged with regret. It had been a long time since she had a truly satisfying battle.
"I kind of understand Dylan-sensei's true meaning now. The craving for battle. Otherwise, Erina, how about we go down and have a match later, just for show?"
Turning her head to look at the somewhat helpless Erina Nakiri beside her, Alice Nakiri spoke excitedly, as if she had just thought of something.
"If you really want to compete, it's not too late to do so when we get back. This is the Summer Selections; we are not the protagonists here."
Listening to the constant babbling beside her, Erina Nakiri felt somewhat helpless, couldn't help but wonder if it was right or wrong to have brought her here.
Meanwhile.
The sound of high heels clicked.
A woman wearing a white, strapless dress, with a purple silk scarf tied around her neck and sunglasses on her face, entered with a mysterious air.
"Welcome. However, I recall our agreed time was eleven o'clock, wasn't it? The students also started cooking at eleven o'clock."
Etsuya Eizan asked with a forced smile.
"Are you saying that because you don't know how precious our time is? Hmm? Eizan-kun?"
Looking playfully at the speechless Etsuya Eizan beside her, Natsume Sendawara's voice held a hint of accusation.
"Natsume Sendawara!"
"The Curry Queen, who holds sway over Japan's curry world!"
Upon Natsume Sendawara's appearance, the audience instantly erupted.
Most of those who came to watch the competition were famous figures in the culinary world, and only 'leaders' above their level could shock them to such an extent.
"I was tricked into coming here by Eizan's sweet words. I wonder if the students can make me happy. However, I heard that Totsuki implemented an even more brutal elimination system this year, and the quality of the students has greatly improved. I wonder if it's true or false."
"They could just pay a fee, couldn't they?"
Hearing Natsume Sendawara's pointed remark, Etsuya Eizan, who was serving beside her, twitched his mouth, a hint of disdain on his face.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing. Please enjoy the Summer Selections, Natsume-sama."
Etsuya Eizan showed a respectful expression, then retreated to the back and said no more.
"While watching the competitors, our academy's Dylan-sensei has prepared a top-tier lamb dish for all the esteemed audience members and judges present."
Below, Urara Kawashima's voice suddenly rang out.
At the same time, staff members in black suits walked in carrying trays, distributing the freshly steamed whole lamb shumai.
"Top-tier lamb dish? An appetizer from a teacher before formally tasting the students' dishes? I've come here so many times, but this is the first time anything like this has happened."
Looking at the exquisite circular tray placed before her, Natsume Sendawara's voice held a hint of confusion, but she still reached out and lifted the lid, revealing the steaming whole lamb shumai inside.
"This is the top-tier lamb dish Totsuki provided? Doesn't it just look like extremely ordinary lamb shumai?"
Before Natsume Sendawara could speak, the balding man sitting next to her spoke first.
As much expectation as there was, there was also as much disappointment. The man rudely complained, having expected a dish he had never seen before, only to find it was just lamb shumai.
Others didn't speak, but their expressions revealed their thoughts to some extent. Clearly, they weren't very satisfied with this appetizer.
"This couldn't be…"
Because the venue's lighting was very bright, no one noticed the fleeting glimmer of light on the whole lamb shumai, but Natsume Sendawara did.
That shimmering light appeared once again in her eyes, stunning her completely.
This was actually Seven-Star Special Grade, Flowing Light Cuisine!
"To still reach the level of Flowing Light Cuisine after being frozen and then re-cooked—what a terrifying dish! Truly, as expected of Dylan-sensei!"
In the VIP box, Erina Nakiri swallowed a mouthful as she looked at the whole lamb shumai before her, but still held her breath and, suppressing her desire, handed it to Alice Nakiri.
"It's utterly devastating!"
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Unfortunately, two of our stories were removed... so I created a new account to post them: MikuDayo.
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I'm counting on your support <3 the director was very sad and scared by what happened...
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