Chapter 119
As the ancients used to say: Only women and small-minded men are difficult to deal with!
Takamine Mineo now understood the profound meaning behind those words all too clearly. When speaking with women, one should never try to argue using logic. In their presence, even if you have the most righteous justification, you will be deemed wrong in an instant.
After being bitten hard by Alice, Mineo had no intention of retaliating in kind.
"Alright, that's enough joking around," he said, shifting the mood. "Erina, you both said you came here because there was something you wanted to tell me. What is it, exactly? Is there something else besides the matter regarding Kobayashi-senpai?"
Seeing Mineo turn serious, Alice stopped her teasing. Erina, sitting straight in her chair, also adopted a grave expression.
"In half a month, the academy will officially begin the new school year," Erina began. "There is another primary reason I came to see you this time. My grandfather mentioned that he hopes you will serve as the chief examiner for this year's transfer student entrance exam."
"He wants me to be the chief examiner for the transfer exams?" Mineo was momentarily stunned by her words.
In the original story, wasn't the person in charge of that exam Erina herself? Why did the old man suddenly have the idea to nominate him as the head proctor? After thinking for a moment, Mineo quickly understood the old man's true motive.
The Director hoped to further evaluate his comprehensive abilities through this appointment. Mineo was still young, and he hadn't yet built a reputation that held significant influence in the culinary world. If he were to suddenly take a position as an instructor at the academy, there would undoubtedly be voices of doubt within the school.
Under these circumstances, the old man wanted to see him produce results in a specific task. The transfer exam wasn't just to test the new students; it was also a test of the examiner's own mettle. It was certain that while he was testing the newcomers, the old man and several others would be monitoring him from the shadows.
As if confirming his suspicions, Erina added a warning of her own. "Previously, while processing your recruitment procedures, several senior instructors in the Culinary Research Department raised objections. It's not that they doubt your skill, but rather they feel uncertain about your experience. Do you understand what I mean, Mineo-kun?"
"I understand," Mineo replied. "Someone with great cooking skills isn't necessarily a good instructor. Conversely, a good instructor doesn't always have to be a world-class chef. In terms of age, there are definitely people at the school who doubt me, right? Through this entrance exam, the school wants to see if I have the ability and authority to keep those students in line."
He let out a sigh. "If I had known being an instructor involved such troublesome matters, I would have refused immediately! Rather than wasting my brainpower on this, I'd rather just stay home every day and play video games."
That one sentence nearly made Erina and Alice choke. It was the first time they had seen someone describe a total lack of ambition in such a unique way.
Alice glared at Mineo with a fierce expression. "Mineo, you understand Grandfather's intentions clearly. From now on, you are not allowed to say such demoralizing things. You were invited by me and my cousin. If you are looked down upon by others, my cousin and I will lose face as well."
She leaned in closer. "No matter what, you must accept the task of examining the transfer students. And simply accepting it isn't enough; you must show your amazing side. Ideally, you should perform so well that everyone who doubted you is left speechless! Do you hear me?! Whether it's for your own sake or for mine and Erina's, you have to fight with everything you've got!"
"Fight, huh... but it sounds so tiring," Mineo muttered. "Um, if I successfully complete the old man's test without any issues, do I get any benefits?"
"You still want benefits?!" Alice's gaze went blank at his words.
Once you enter the academy, won't you be able to get closer to me and my cousin? Is that kind of benefit still not enough?
Alice ground her teeth and told him, "Benefits, right! There are plenty... but it depends on your performance. If you can show a performance that leaves everyone in awe... and brings pride to me and my cousin, I'll treat you to a meal."
"If I want to eat, I can just cook for myself. Why would I need you to treat me..." Mineo rolled his eyes. "Um, that Maid Uniform matter isn't settled yet, you know... Please fulfill your previous promise first before making new ones, okay?"
"....."
"Why are you always thinking about that Maid Uniform... I'm telling you, Mineo, have you never thought about striving for other rewards?"
"Other rewards? Those are fine too! How about... a Bunny Girl costume? I feel like Alice would look beautiful in anything anyway, and I'm really not picky."
"...."
Seeing the bewildered expressions on Erina and Alice's faces, Mineo finally smiled. "Alright, I'll stop teasing you two. To be serious, since I already gave you my word, I will do my job properly. I accept the task of the transfer student exam. There are people watching me, right? I'll make sure they have nothing left to say. After all, I'm the outside help invited by you two young ladies; there's no way I'd let you lose face."
He shrugged. "I guarantee I'll whip those transfer students into shape until they're obedient... Now, let's just eat... Once we're finished, I'll get something for you."
"Get something? What is it?"
"A gift? After eating the Love Bento you both made, I felt a bit moved, so I'll give you some good items in return!"
Hearing this, Alice and Erina suddenly felt like this was surreal. Words like that didn't seem like they would ever come out of Mineo's mouth. After all, this man had been targeting the two cousins for selfies for the past three years; he was the type of person who absolutely would not work unless there was something in it for him.
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