Chapter 100: Losing and Barking Like a Dog

Sui was left speechless. He had thought that Erina was finally showing some of the regal pride of the God Tongue, but her conditions for the bet were... unexpected.

It seemed she really had a rough time losing before. Maybe Yoshino's teasing had left a deep mark on her heart.

"Alright," Sui nodded, agreeing. "But if you lose..."

"What happens if I lose?" Erina asked, clearly anxious.

"If you lose, you'll have to kiss me every morning from now on. How does that sound?"

Sui smiled playfully.

"K-Kiss you?" Erina's face turned crimson as she stammered, "That's impossible!"

"It's not like we haven't kissed before," Sui retorted, rolling his eyes. He thought back to the times he had already kissed her—particularly when he carried her back in his arms.

Erina, however, couldn't stop thinking about Yoshino's constant teasing. Her smug face flashed in her mind, and the memory made her teeth clench in frustration. Gritting her teeth, she finally said, "Fine! It's a deal!"

With that settled, the two made their way to the kitchen to start practicing.

However, Sui found himself at a loss, unsure of what dish to make. Then, an idea came to him—pancakes! 

Though pancakes were a common street food, Sui believed that even humble street snacks could hold their own on high-end tables if done right.

"Sui!" 

"Sui-kun!"

Suddenly, two voices called out simultaneously.

Miyoko and Sadatsuka Nao approached at the same time, both looking eager. Today, Sui wasn't in the same group as Miyoko, and Nao hadn't interacted with him throughout the day. Still, with their skills, they seemed to have no problem passing the exam.

"I heard it was Chef Shinomiya's class today. How did it go for you?" Miyoko asked.

"I also heard you've been taking first place in all the exams. That's really impressive," Nao added.

Both spoke at the same time, causing a moment of awkward silence between them. The two girls exchanged narrowed glances, a palpable tension forming.

Miyoko, wearing a striking red cheongsam, exuded a mature and confident aura. Meanwhile, Sadatsuka Nao, in her white chef's uniform, had shed her previous gloomy appearance and now looked exceptionally fresh and pure.

"Is she your friend?" both girls asked in unison.

The rivalry between them intensified.

Meanwhile, not far away, Erina was cooking while secretly observing the scene, her teeth grinding in frustration.

"Erina, as his girlfriend, don't you think it's a bit spineless to just stand by and watch this happen?" A voice suddenly spoke from behind.

Startled, Erina spun around to see Alice leaning against the kitchen counter, watching her with a knowing grin.

"That guy and I are not in a relationship! What does it matter to me who he talks to?" Erina huffed, turning away with a defiant snort. "And Alice, where on earth did you hear this ridiculous rumor?"

"All the first-year students are talking about it. When I came over just now, I heard Yoshino from Polar Star Dormitory mentioning something about a 'shameful couple.'"

With a sharp crack, the egg in Erina's hand shattered under the force of her grip.

At that moment, Erina seriously considered grabbing a knife and going after Yoshino. If murderous thoughts could kill, Yoshino would already be buried six feet under.

Just then, Sui walked over.

Erina snorted again and stomped off to the other side of the kitchen to continue cooking.

"What's gotten into her?" Sui asked, puzzled.

"Jealousy, perhaps? I never thought I'd see Erina getting jealous," Alice teased with a sly smile.

Before Sui could respond, Miyoko approached, saying, "Sui, I'd love for you to taste my dish."

At the same time, Nao appeared with a plate of her own. "Sui-kun, could you give me some feedback on this?"

The two girls froze, glancing at each other, their eyes narrowing.

Megumi, who had been watching from the sidelines, hesitated with her own dish in hand. She had wanted to ask Sui for his opinion as well, but seeing the two other girls made her hesitate.

"Megumi, if you don't act now, you won't have any chance at all," Ryoko said knowingly, giving Megumi a gentle nudge, like an older sister guiding her.

After a moment of hesitation, Megumi mustered up her courage and walked over to present her dish.

But just then, Erina slammed her plate down with a loud 'clatter' and stormed out of the kitchen.

"Erina, aren't you going to keep practicing?" Sui called after her, surprised.

"I've had enough! I'm going back to rest!" Erina snapped, her tone cold.

Everyone around them exchanged puzzled glances.

"It's just another lover's quarrel. Don't make a big deal out of it," Yoshino said casually, waving her hand.

Sui could only shake his head helplessly as he began to taste the others' food.

The next morning, everyone rose early to head to the venue and prepare breakfast.

Erina, however, was still clearly in a bad mood. She slammed the door as she walked out without even touching breakfast.

Sui remained confused by her behavior.

When he arrived at the designated venue, he found Alice standing next to him.

"Hey, Sui, what are you planning to make for breakfast?" she asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

"I'm not telling you," Sui replied coolly.

"How mean!" Alice puffed out her cheeks in mock indignation. Then, her expression shifted as an idea struck her. "Hey, how about we have a little competition?"

"Oh? What kind of competition?" Sui asked, amused. These Nakiri sisters were so alike!

"Let's see who can sell the most food!" Alice finally revealed her plan. "If you lose, you have to give me three—no, make that 'three'—Chansey eggs!"

Clearly, she had her sights set on those eggs for a while.

"What if you lose?" Sui countered.

"If I lose, I'll grant you one request. But! It can't be anything inappropriate!" Alice quickly added, narrowing her eyes.

Sui was taken aback by her quick thinking, then grinned. "Alright, how about this—if you lose, you have to bark like a puppy."

Alice's face turned sour for a moment, but thinking about the Chansey eggs, she gritted her teeth and agreed. "Fine, it's a deal!"

Meanwhile, in another area of the kitchen, Erina found herself stationed next to Soma Yukihira.

"Hey, I didn't expect us to be in the same group!" Soma greeted her with his usual cheerful grin.