Stepping out of the Izakaya, the world outside was even calmer than before!
It is well known that because Totsuki Academy adopts a cruel 'competition' education system, students are rivals to each other, with hardly any friendship to speak of.
However, at this banquet, Sōma saw precious friendship and warm human affection from these Polar Star Dormitory residents.
Perhaps in the days to come, he would cherish these beautiful memories and experiences in Polar Star Dormitory even more.
They say one girl is equivalent to 500 'Kunkuns', so these three girls are equivalent to 1500 'Kunkuns'. The chatter was endless!
"Hehehe! Megumi, what exactly did the Shopkeeper give you when we left?"
Looking at the small gift in Tadokoro Megumi's hand, Yoshino Yuki asked excitedly, while Sakaki Ryoko next to her occasionally stole glances, full of curiosity.
"No, no, it's just... just a little osmanthus cake."
Tadokoro Megumi said, blushing.
"Oh!"
"You gave him cookies, and he gave you osmanthus cake!"
Upon hearing this, Yoshino Yuki quickly patted her shoulder, her eyes suddenly filled with a 'mischievous' look.
"I'm so envious. I also wish the Shopkeeper would give me a bottle of wine, but how could I dare to ask him for such a thing?"
Sakaki Ryoko said with a mix of envy and helplessness.
"Exactly, exactly. When we came out of the Izakaya, Sosuke's Restaurant didn't even look at us directly."
"But he suddenly called out to Megumi, showing her all sorts of care and concern."
"That's one thing, but he even gave her a box of osmanthus cake when we parted! That really makes me envious to the point of going crazy!"
"However, on the other hand."
"Our Megumi from Polar Star Dormitory and Sosuke's Restaurant truly make a handsome couple!"
Yoshino's words made Tadokoro Megumi blush and her heart pound: "Yoshino, you... what are you talking about? Can such things... be said so casually?"
After speaking, she quickly walked behind Isshiki Satoshi.
Her reaction naturally made Yoshino Yuki and Sakaki Ryoko look at each other, as if to say: Are these two really going to happen?
...
Night.
The wind blew gently.
Rows of streetlights on the street were like a silver necklace, hanging around the city's neck.
The faces of the dormitory residents under the streetlights were illuminated more vividly by the light.
At this moment, Isshiki Satoshi, who had come out of the Izakaya, still looked preoccupied.
Especially whenever he recalled the powerful pressure Nakiri Mana exuded when she first appeared, his expression became even more serious!
"Ibusaki Shun, what do you think of that customer?"
"Senior, don't laugh at me."
"At that time, my legs were trembling. I felt an aura from her that was even more terrifying than the General's."
Ibusaki Shun said with lingering fear.
"I heard that the WGO Gourmet Organization's executive officers have secretly begun investigating restaurants around the world recently. If I'm not mistaken, she should be an executive officer, right?"
Isshiki Satoshi's eyes flickered, and he said lightly.
"How could executive officers of their level appear in an Izakaya?" Ibusaki Shun found it hard to believe.
"Next door is Senior Harukatei's Spring Fruit Pavilion Western Restaurant, so I thought the WGO executive officer would stop by the Izakaya for an inspection."
"It's just... I didn't expect Sosuke's Restaurant's cooking to be so amazing! That Live Ice Sea Bream Mountain dish is unique in the entire culinary world."
Isshiki Satoshi thought for a moment and replied.
"Indeed, he is always more formidable than we imagine!" Ibusaki Shun exclaimed.
At this time, Yukihira Sōma, who was behind them, was secretly listening to the conversation between Isshiki Satoshi and Ibusaki Shun, while also contemplating his future life choices.
Finally, he seemed to have made some kind of decision and quickly shouted to Isshiki Satoshi in front: "Senior, after we go back, could you taste some of the dishes I've made? I hope you can give me some advice!"
"Hmm?"
These words from behind made Isshiki Satoshi pause.
Then, he turned his head and looked at Yukihira Sōma a few times. Seeing the determination in his eyes, he smiled and said, "Very good, it seems you know what to do?"
"Since you have such resolve, then come and try. Let's see if your cooking can impress me again."
"Okay."
"Thank you, Senior!"
...
The scent of tea.
Under the moonlight, it brought out rustling whispers!
And a languor, along with the aroma of wine, permeated the soul, gently and slowly, slowly and gently.
Just a small sip, and within the smooth liquid, the gentle tranquility of the tea leaves permeated the heart.
This allowed Rindo, who had not left the Izakaya, to gradually feel the slow abundance of life.
Afterward, she slowly opened her eyes.
She secretly glanced at Sosuke, who was wiping his kitchen knife in front of the counter.
His handsome and gentle face, and his calm and composed demeanor, made her somewhat enchanted as she watched.
But at this moment, she inadvertently saw Nakiri Mana, who had just finished five plates of sea bream Sashimi, also silently watching Sosuke, and her expression suddenly froze!
"You've been in Japan for days now."
"Don't you want to go back to Totsuki and see your father and daughter?"
Putting away his kitchen knife, a bored Sosuke looked at Nakiri Mana. Seeing that she was staring intently at him, he couldn't help but be stunned.
"I don't know, I don't know how to face them?"
"Father is fine, but my daughter Erina..."
At this point, Nakiri Mana's eyes were filled with an endless sense of loss and loneliness.
...
A full 10 years.
She had not returned to the Nakiri, to her own family.
This life alone, though it completely freed her from the shackles of family, making her more free and uninhibited!
But on the other hand, it also left her with severe psychological trauma.
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