Does This Count as a Date?

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting faint shadows on a soft bed.

Zane opened the door to his room and saw Erina lying on his bed, clutching the quilt tightly. Her pretty face was flushed with nervousness and happiness, her eyes growing more and more dreamy.

Seeing this, Zane froze in place.

Erina also stiffened, her mouth agape, as if she were stuck in a loop.

Her eyes were filled with fear, and she couldn't snap out of it.

"What?"

"Is my bed really that comfortable?"

"Or are you just a perverted princess who likes my scent?"

Seeing Erina in such a state, Zane, having recovered a bit, teased.

"No... no, I found this manga in your room and just lay on the bed to read it for a bit."

"Hey!"

"Seriously, why do you have such an inappropriate manga in your room?"

Erina said, her face turning as red as fire, eventually tossing the manga "Slave of the Magic Capital's Elite Troops" back to Zane out of embarrassment.

Zane took the manga, glanced at it, and smiled, "I see you've really made yourself at home here."

"Entering my room without permission and messing up my bed!"

"This bed? I've slept on it before."

Erina pouted and muttered.

Zane: ???

...

Since they met in Akihabara, Erina and Zane's relationship had become unusual and gradually changed in subtle ways.

Especially after going through many experiences together, including reuniting with her mother, Mana, at the Tavern, and working temporarily there, Erina developed deeper feelings for Zane.

To put it simply, she had started to fall for him.

Maybe it was this growing affection that made her more comfortable living at the Tavern.

"Alright, get up."

"The Tavern isn't open tonight, and I bought two tickets to the amusement park."

Zane smiled, handing her a ticket.

"Amusement park? The one with the Ferris wheel?"

Erina blinked, got up from the bed, and took the ticket from Zane, whispering.

"Besides the Ferris wheel, there's a carousel, a haunted house, a pirate ship, bumper cars... lots of fun stuff. Just get ready, and we'll leave soon."

Hearing this, Erina's eyes sparkled with excitement!

In fact, her everyday life was vastly different from that of ordinary people. She had no experience with many things, like:

She couldn't operate the Tavern's smart dishwasher.

She lacked experience in buying groceries from the market or a supermarket.

She had never been to places like Akihabara, amusement parks, swimming pools, or read novels and manga.

So, knowing Zane wanted to take her to an amusement park made her very happy.

...

If there are only two things in the world that can stimulate all five human senses, one is love, and the other is food!

Like snails the size of small conch shells.

Stuffed with butter, various herbs, and garlic, then baked.

This appetizer wouldn't fill you up but paired with some slightly salty French bread and a warm cup of coffee, it's fragrant, simple, yet satisfying.

At the bustling city center, in a branch of the French restaurant named [SHINO'S], the first wave of customers had arrived, creating a tense and suffocating atmosphere in the kitchen.

"Everyone, the first guests are here."

"Start preparing the ingredients as I instructed. Don't mess up the rhythm!"

As the head chef, Kojiro kept a stern and cautious expression, issuing orders coldly.

"Yes!"

"Yes, Chef Kojiro."

The kitchen staff responded and quickly got to work, making the whole restaurant busy.

"Hey, you there, button up your chef's jacket. If I see you looking sloppy again, you're out."

With a glance, Kojiro pointed angrily at a kitchen helper.

"Yes, yes, Chef. It won't happen again."

The helper hurriedly buttoned up, scared out of his wits in front of Kojiro.

...

A few days ago, Kojiro, like Rindo, had lost to the Midnight Chefs.

This defeat meant that her career as a chef in her French restaurant was over.

But even so, no one doubted her skills, her position as the former first seat at Totsuki, or her status as the first Japanese recipient of the "Plusspool Medal."

The details of her match against the Midnight Chefs were unknown, but rumors circulated.

They said Kojiro single-handedly defeated five Midnight Chefs in succession.

Only when their leader stepped in did Kojiro finally lose!

Such a record made her famous, even in defeat.

So, when Kojiro had to close SHINO'S main branch, renowned local chefs voluntarily gathered to give the restaurant a perfect send-off.

Yes!

Kojiro lost!

But in the French culinary world, her legend remained.

Kojiro then returned to Japan and opened a new branch of SHINO'S in the heart of Tokyo.

...

The new restaurant's front was small, but the inside was larger than expected.

The décor was simple yet grand. Logs roasted steaks and duck breasts in the fireplace, emitting a faint fruity aroma.

Every table was made of solid mahogany, neatly set with cutlery and napkins. The soft lighting dispelled the weariness from each guest.

"Mmm, this is delicious!"

In front of Ryoko was a classic French dish:

Blanquette de Veau.

The warm veal and sauce were served in a brown French pot, accompanied by freshly baked French bread and crispy fries.

One bite was pure "happiness."

You could feel the tender veal shank, slowly cooked to make it easier to bite.

The white wine added during cooking removed any gaminess, while the acidity in the wine broke down the meat fibers, enhancing the flavor.

The final white sauce, a staple in French cuisine, was made from beef broth, butter, fresh cream, and egg yolks.

A touch of salt, black pepper, and a bit of lemon juice transformed the thick base into a mellow, lingering sauce.

A spoonful of this warm sauce over the veal was smooth and delicate, with the white wine's flavor lingering, making it irresistible!

"The potatoes are not overcooked, just right to chew. The texture is perfect."

"This way, the potatoes retain their natural flavor and even a bit of their unique sweetness."

"Indeed, very few can match you in vegetables, Kojiro!"

Tasting the blanquette de veau, Ryoko couldn't help but exclaim.

...

It's well known.

French cuisine is considered the pinnacle of Western cuisine.

Setting aside other ingredients, there are 450 types of wine with AOC certification alone.

If China is the food capital of the East, then France is the culinary palace of the West!

This cuisine, known for its delicacy, elegance, richness, and variety, has always been beloved by many, and Kojiro's French cuisine now drew people in even more.

"Yes, senpai."

"Opening a new restaurant here is the best decision."

Nearby, Yuuki, having finished a small piece of foie gras, excitedly spoke to Kojiro.

"Thank you."

"This new restaurant needs your support."

"Honestly, I'm so grateful you all came to celebrate the opening of SHINO'S."

Kojiro adjusted her glasses, her voice choking a bit with emotion.

"Kojiro, we Totsuki graduates, though from different years, are the best of friends."

"Your new venture in Japan is great news for us. It means more chances to see you."

"Hahaha..."

"I'm still not good with words."

"I don't even know how to congratulate you properly."

Raising his glass, Dojima took a sip of Lafite wine and awkwardly laughed.

Then he remembered something and curiously asked, "By the way, if you're here at the new branch, who's managing the main branch in France?"

"Senpai, the main branch has closed!"

Kojiro replied helplessly.

"Oh!"

"It's closed, huh?"

Dojima, not thinking much, continued drinking.

Then, realizing what she said, he spat out his wine, his face in disbelief!

...

The bustling streets were lined with various brand clothing stores.

You could see cinemas, cafes, arcades, karaoke, ramen shops, and more everywhere, but no one stopped to linger.

Walking down the street, Zane was handsome, but everyone around acted as if he were invisible. Only Erina, following closely behind, kept her eyes on him.

She gathered her courage, stepped forward, and held his arm.

Her action left Zane stunned, and he said, "Erina, holding my arm like this makes it hard to walk."

"I can't help it."

"If I don't hold your arm, I might get lost."

Erina slightly tilted her head, her eyes shining as she gazed at him.

Hearing this, Zane couldn't help but chuckle, looking at her with an "Are you a child?" expression.

Reluctantly, Erina looked away and softly said, "Zane, I've been wondering, does going to the amusement park together count as a date?"

"Why would you think that?"

Zane was confused.

To be honest, he found Erina more and more interesting.

The longer he spent with her, the more he noticed her lack of life experience, making her "innocence" quite adorable!

"Doesn't it? It feels like something out of a manga."

Erina's voice was gentle but hinted at hope and joy.

"Alright, if you say it is, then it is."

After a moment of thought, Zane replied.

...

Soon, they arrived at the amusement park.

As they entered, the joyful atmosphere hit them.

Colorful flags fluttered in the air, blending with the visitors' laughter into a beautiful symphony.

A huge roller

 coaster twisted and turned, soaring into the sky like a giant silver dragon, roaring, and awe-inspiring.

Walking further, they saw various attractions:

The carousel!

The pirate ship!

The bumper cars!

Especially the carousel, spinning to light music, creating a fairytale world.

Besides the rides, the amusement park had performances and activities.

Acrobats flipped and jumped on high wires, their thrilling acts making the audience hold their breath.

On stage, singers and dancers performed, offering visitors a feast for the eyes and ears.

"This... this is an amusement park?"

"So many people, and everything looks so fun."

Erina's eyes were filled with curiosity and awe!

"First the Ferris wheel? Or the carousel?"

Zane looked at Erina with a smile.

"The Ferris wheel!"

Erina replied without hesitation.

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