Chapter 69: Four Happy Dumplings

"What a beautifully crafted dish," praised Senzaemon.

"It's truly exceptional," Dojima Gin agreed with a nod.

"Shall we begin tasting?" Chapelle suggested casually, picking up a spoon and scooping up a portion of the steamed egg. The soft, delicate texture quivered on the spoon, resembling jelly.

"So tender!" Chapelle's pupils contracted as he gasped in admiration.

Following his lead, the other judges began to taste the dish as well. 

The steamed egg was incredibly tender and smooth, while the king crab legs were bursting with flavor and had a pleasant chewiness. The entire dish was steeped in a rich seafood essence, each bite more delectable than the last.

The steamed egg, in particular, was so silky that it glided across their tongues and down their throats like the finest fabric.

The three judges felt as though they were drifting in the depths of the ocean, surrounded by a chorus of happy seafood, giving them an overwhelming sensation of bliss.

"The eggs and seafood are harmoniously united. The steamed egg melts on the tongue, releasing an intense seafood flavor. It truly captures the essence of the theme for this Shokugeki, immersing the diner in an oceanic experience," Senzaemon commented deeply, his expression serious. The fabric of his collar quietly tore open as he spoke.

"The collar... it's ripped!" someone exclaimed.

"That's the mark of approval from the Gourmet King!"

"The standard of the Elite Ten!" gasped the onlookers in awe.

The torn collar was a unique trait of the Nakiri bloodline and signified that Eizan's dish had been acknowledged by the fearsome Gourmet Demon.

"The Gourmet Demon's clothes have torn!" Megumi murmured, her face pale and her voice trembling.

"This is the strength of the Elite Ten. That kid completely overestimated himself," Kuga said nonchalantly.

"This dish is both visually stunning and elegant in flavor. It perfectly conveys the refined emotions found in Japanese cuisine. The steamed egg is the very essence of seafood, wrapping itself around the tongue like silk." 

Even Chapelle was now smiling in delight.

"The chef who never smiles is actually smiling!"

"Is this the power of the Elite Ten? It's terrifying!"

The spectators were once again stunned. Among the instructors, Chapelle was known for being perpetually stern and never showing emotion.

"How did you achieve such a smooth and chewy texture in this chawanmushi?" asked Dojima Gin.

"Haha, the secret is in the broth," Eizan explained with a laugh. "I use a stock made from clams and king crabs, mixing it with the egg at a 2:1 ratio. That's what gives the steamed egg such a rich umami flavor."

"Ah, I see! It's the cornstarch! No wonder it's so smooth and fresh," Dojima Gin said, suddenly enlightened.

"All three judges are showering Eizan-senpai with praise!" Megumi was so overwhelmed that she nearly fainted. Her voice trembled as she spoke.

"The gap in skill is simply too large," Kuga remarked in a casual tone.

"Kuga, what are you saying? If Sui gets expelled, I won't forgive you!" Rindō retorted angrily, wrapping her arm around Kuga's neck.

Kuga protested, his voice filled with frustration, "What does that have to do with me? If you're mad, go after Eizan instead!"

"But Sui's chances of winning are slim," sighed Isshiki.

"Even Isshiki-senpai…" Megumi's vision darkened, and she collapsed from the stress.

Erina's face mirrored her inner turmoil. She wanted Sui to win, but the consequences of either outcome weighed heavily on her mind. If he lost, he'd be expelled, but if he won… she'd have to accept being his girlfriend. It was a lose-lose situation!

"See this?" Eizan smiled at Sui. "This is the difference in our abilities."

Senzaemon remained silent. If Sui, his favored candidate for a future son-in-law, were expelled, it would be difficult to explain to Erina.

Sui, however, stayed calm. "The Shokugeki isn't over yet."

He opened the steamer, releasing a cloud of white steam imbued with an intoxicating aroma. The fragrance spread through the hall like a whirlwind.

"What is that heavenly smell?" 

"Did the transfer student make this?"

Students in the audience stood up in surprise, the room buzzing with excitement.

"That fragrance…." Even Eishi and the others were momentarily stunned. Rindō loosened her grip on Kuga's neck.

"Did Sui-kun really cook this?" Hope rekindled in Megumi's eyes as she regained consciousness.

"My dish is ready for tasting. Please, enjoy." 

Sui placed four plates of Four Happy Dumplings on the serving cart and presented them to the judges. Although labeled as dumplings, they resembled delicate steamed buns. Unlike typical steamed buns, which had one opening, these dumplings had four, each filled with a different color—black, yellow, white, and green. Their translucent skin gave them an elegant and exquisite appearance.

"What a beautiful dish! Are these buns?" Chapelle asked, his eyes gleaming. He had never encountered such a unique variation of steamed buns before.

"To be precise, these are a type of steamed dumpling," Dojima Gin explained. "Historically, they were said to be reserved for royalty and nobility."

"The aroma is divine," he added, inhaling deeply.

"In that case, let's begin," Senzaemon said, though beneath his composed demeanor was a deep concern. If Sui were expelled, it would complicate things with Erina.

Chapelle and Dojima Gin nodded, picking up their chopsticks. They each selected a dumpling and took a bite.

"These are just dumplings! How could such a simple dish be any good?" scoffed Eizan.

But his sneer froze as he saw the judges' expressions shift. Their faces grew serious, their eyes closed as if they were bracing for an overwhelming sensation.

Dojima Gin's eyes suddenly flew open, his voice erupting, "It's... absolutely delicious!"