Chapter 333: Moon Banquet Festival (6)

[Let's end this year with a bang! 🎉 For every 1 review, I'll upload 1 chapter!

The extra chapters, along with the regular daily uploads, will kick off at the start of 2025!

P.S.: For those interested only.]

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"Hey, have you read the guidebook? I heard Sui opened a restaurant in the mountain area."

"Really? That makes sense though, right? He's one of the reserved elite ten, after all."

"True, but the restaurant's theme is rare ingredients, and the entrance fee is 100,000 yen per person!"

"No way! Miss Erina's restaurant only charges around 20,000 to 30,000 yen per person!"

"Yeah, will anyone even pay that much? Let's go check it out."

As the school festival buzzed with activity, students who weren't participating in the festival gathered in clusters, gossiping about Sui's newly opened restaurant. The establishment had attracted significant attention and was prominently featured in the festival's travel guide, alongside other high-profile restaurants like those run by Kuga and Eishi.

But Sui's restaurant was generating the most buzz, with many curious to see how successful it would be. Some students were even hoping to see him fail, jealous of the attention he was receiving.

As dinner time approached, more and more guests arrived in the mountainous area.

"Isn't that the president of Morita's food supplier? I just saw him heading to Tsukasa-senpai's restaurant."

"And look, that's the renowned food critic, Ms. Nishimoto! Is she a guest of Miss Erina?"

The students were stunned, watching in awe as famous figures from the culinary world passed by, each heading toward different top ten restaurants. The influence of Totsuki's top chefs was beyond their wildest imagination.

Just then, a pair of elegant sisters stepped out of a luxurious car, both dressed in exquisite long gowns, and began walking toward Sui's restaurant.

"Isn't that the Sendawara Sisters? They're heading to Sui's place!"

The crowd watched in disbelief as the two sisters entered Sui's restaurant.

"He's got them as guests? And look, that's Osaji Kita too!"

"Instructor Inui is here as well! She's a big name in the culinary world. Does Sui really command that much respect?"

"And that's Mizuhara Fuyumi-senpai former second seat! Does Sui know all these top graduates?"

"Wait... isn't that Totsuki Commander in Chief!?"

As one prestigious figure after another walked into Sui's restaurant, the students were left speechless. Some began to wonder if Sui's influence had already surpassed that of other elite ten members like Eishi Tsukasa and Erina.

Even Eishi, who was watching from afar, smiled at the sight. "Sui, let's compete again! I won't lose this time," he murmured to himself, determined.

——

Inside the restaurant, the guests were abuzz with conversation.

"So the theme this time is rare ingredients? I wonder what dishes we'll be served."

"No idea, but with the high entry fee, it had better be impressive."

Many of the guests were people Sui had encountered through Erina or during various cooking events, such as the bear meat exam. Though the ticket price was steep, they had all purchased them without hesitation, eager to experience Sui's culinary skills.

"Is that Miss Inui from Kirinoya?" one guest whispered.

"And Miss Mizuhara Fuyumi is all here!"

The presence of such influential alumni impressed the crowd. Unlike the recently graduated elite ten, seasoned chefs like Hinako and Mizuhara had become industry leaders, making their attendance all the more significant. The anticipation for Sui's dishes was palpable.

Sui welcomed the guests with a smile. He had personally invited Hinako, Sonoka, and Taki, but he hadn't expected Hinako to bring along Mizuhara Fuyumi and Hitoshi Sekimori. Of course, the latter two had purchased their own tickets.

[A-N: The blonde dude is absent.]

"I heard Sui was opening a booth, so I had to come and taste it," Hinako said in her usual cute voice.

"Sui-kun is my deputy chef. Of course, I came to support you," Sonoka added with a smile.

"Sui, we're here too. I'm really looking forward to tasting your cooking," came a familiar voice.

Recognizing the broken Japanese, Sui turned around to see none other than Senzaemon and Leonora, with Alice at their side.

Alice patted Sui's shoulder, grinning. "I'm here for the food, of course!"

Sui had made sure to give Alice a few tickets, hoping she'd bring along her mother and grandfather.

Today, Leonora wore a striking golden gown that highlighted her elegant figure. Her long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her the appearance of a regal queen straight out of a fairy tale. Sui couldn't help but recall the awkward incident from before when he had accidentally kissed her. His expression turned a bit awkward.

"Sui, is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Leonora asked, gently touching his forehead with concern, unaware of Sui's inner turmoil.

"Ahem, no, nothing at all," Sui replied hastily. "Please enjoy the food tonight."

Senzaemon, usually serious, smiled warmly. "I'm looking forward to it, Sui. I wonder what rare ingredients you've prepared for us today."

The other guests were stunned to see the headmaster of Totsuki and Leonora themselves attending. Their presence only heightened the excitement and expectations surrounding Sui's cooking.

"Sui-kun, have you given any more thought to my offer from last time? About being my man?" a playful voice called out. The Sendawara Sisters approached, with Orie clinging to Sui's arm in a teasing manner.

"Ah? Sui, are you cheating on my niece!?" Leonora suddenly exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise as she stared at Sui and the two sisters.