[108] Alice Joins In

Chapter 108: Alice Joins In

With a resounding 3:0 victory and Erina's undeniable defeat, it became unmistakably clear to Senzaemon, Soue Nakiri, and even Alice that Hachiman's culinary prowess surpassed Erina's. Despite Alice's fierce competitive spirit and her avowals of wanting to best Erina, she couldn't deny the lingering gap between herself and her cousin.

As the one she had always strived to surpass succumbed to another's talent, Alice's emotions swirled in complexity.

Meanwhile, Hisako observed Erina with evident concern.

"Erina-sama..."

Since the announcement of the results, Erina had kept her gaze lowered, her emotions concealed. For someone of her immense pride, consecutive losses to the same individual must have been a bitter pill to swallow.

Just as Hachiman contemplated offering words of solace, Erina lifted her head, her expression once more radiating that trademark pride.

"Hmph, count yourself fortunate this time. Don't assume that winning now means I'll concede defeat. I will unquestionably emerge victorious in our next encounter!"

Seeing Erina return to her proud demeanor, Hachiman couldn't help but grin.

That's the Erina he was acquainted with.

"No problem at all. If Miss Erina is up for it, I'm always prepared for another match."

It was a friendly culinary competition, and if time permitted, Hachiman was more than willing to challenge Erina once more.

"Haha, excellent! This is the spirit of the culinary world. No matter how many times you fall short, never shy away from formidable rivals. That's the only path to keeping your culinary skills on the rise."

Senzaemon Nakiri's laughter filled the air upon overhearing their exchange.

"But, young Hachiman, I never anticipated your culinary prowess to advance as well. You continue to astonish us," Senzaemon Nakiri remarked with a hint of admiration.

Erina, her irritation palpable, interjected, "Hey, when did your cooking skills get any better?"

Hachiman elaborated, "It appears my culinary skills improved right after I had an epiphany in kendo, about a week ago."

He wasn't fabricating this. His culinary epiphany had occurred while he slumbered. He had been at Level 3 before bedtime, but upon awakening the next morning, he had ascended to Level 4. It was an unexpected turn of events.

Erina, seemingly lost for words, responded with a customary tsundere-style cold snort. "..."hmph!"

"Haha, I never expected that not only is young Hachiman exceptional in kendo, but his culinary talent is also so formidable," chimed in Senzaemon Nakiri, taking the lead in the conversation.

"It makes me increasingly eager to extend an invitation to Totsuki."

Senzaemon Nakiri's words carried a genuine tone. Having sampled Hachiman's creation, he was convinced that Hachiman's culinary abilities now rivaled, if not surpassed, some of the top seats in the Elite Ten. With proper guidance and training, Hachiman's potential in the culinary world seemed boundless.

However, when Senzaemon Nakiri broached the idea of inviting Hachiman to Totsuki once more, Hachiman politely declined. "Thank you very much for your kind words, but cooking remains a hobby for me. I have no intention of making it my primary profession. Cooking for those dear to me is satisfaction enough."

"Haha, Hachiman, you are truly an intriguing individual. As I've mentioned previously, should you ever have a change of heart, Totsuki's doors will always remain open to you."

"But I heard that your novel's sales recently crossed the five million mark. Congratulations," Senzaemon Nakiri added.

Hachiman humbly played down his accomplishments. "Not at all, compared to you, General Nakiri, I still have a long road ahead. After all, you single-handedly transformed the Totsuki conglomerate into what it is today."

"Haha, I believe that Hachiman will achieve remarkable success in the future as well."

"Thank you for your kind words, General Nakiri."

As their conversation continued, the others in the room, particularly Soue Nakiri, were left somewhat mystified. He had never anticipated that his typically stern father would take such a liking to Hachiman.

The last individual to receive such favor from Grandfather was a man named Yukihira Joichiro, who later gained fame in the culinary world as "Shura."

The notion that the young man before him could be compared to the "Shura" left Soue feeling somewhat skeptical.

Observing the relaxed exchange between Hachiman and her grandfather, Erina couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. She had never experienced such an easygoing conversation with her Grandpa herself.

This feeling prompted an involuntary disdainful snort from her.

Upon hearing her snort, Hachiman turned his gaze toward Erina. Seeing the jealousy in her expression, he shook his head with a slightly amused smile.

However, he quickly had an idea and, with a smile, inquired, "By the way, in early August, I'll be going to the beach with some friends. I wonder if Miss Erina would have the time to join us?"

"The beach?" Erina was momentarily intrigued by the mention of the seaside, but her tsundere nature made her hesitate.

"Hmph, why should I go with you?"

"Consider it my way of making amends for this time," Hachiman responded with a gentle smile.

"Tch, I don't want to go. There are too many people at public beaches," Erina retorted, disdainfully pursing her lips.

"You can rest assured about that. I'll be renting a private beach, so there won't be anyone else there. Plus, Saeko will be coming too."

"Hmm... Well, in that case, I'll grant you a chance to make amends. Besides, it has been a while since I've seen Saeko-neesan."

In the end, Erina reluctantly agreed, though a hint of reluctance colored her acceptance.

"The beach? Count me in!"

As soon as Alice caught wind of the seaside excursion, her lively and sociable nature bubbled forth, and she immediately expressed her eagerness to join. Moreover, her curiosity about Hachiman had piqued.

She wanted to discern what made this seemingly unassuming guy so special in her grandfather's eyes.

"Why do you want to join? You don't even know anyone there," Erina countered, casting a dismissive glance in his direction.

"Who says I don't? Erina, you'll be there," Alice replied with a mischievous grin.

"..." Alice's persistence left Erina feeling somewhat powerless.

In that moment, Hachiman chuckled and interjected, "It's perfectly fine. Since Miss Alice wishes to join, I wholeheartedly welcome her."

Given that they had secured the location exclusively, accommodating one more person was inconsequential, and he couldn't deny the allure of swimsuit-watching either.

Upon hearing Hachiman's accommodating response, Alice shot him a look that silently conveyed, "You're quite reasonable," and then turned her attention to Erina.

"You see, even he doesn't mind. Erina, anything else to add?"

"Whatever."

With her family in agreement, Erina had no further objections. She waved her hand dismissively, choosing to let the matter rest.

Unnoticed by all, a cryptic smile formed on Soue's lips.

As lunchtime neared, Hachiman, Erina, and even Alice, Ryo, and Hisako joined forces to prepare the meal.

It appeared that the cooking competition was still ongoing with fervor...

-----------

A/N:

I fell asleep

If you want to read 10 chapters ahead...

Visit my patreon: patrèon/Flaptzy