"I heard there's Dragon's Beard Candy in Xiangzhong. When I was young, I tasted it a few times. Its texture was crispy yet soft and delicate, fragrant and delightful, with clear layers.
The taste was sweet without being cloying, with an endless aftertaste, leaving a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth with every bite.
Though the Dragon Head Pastry you made today is completely different from Dragon's Beard Candy, their names are similar, and both are a type of pastry. Its appearance is even more intimidating, making it a supreme delicacy, truly commendable."
Senzaemon Nakiri looked at the dish before him, and at Alice Nakiri, who had prepared it, a feeling of admiration rising in his heart.
The First Faction truly boasts an abundance of talent; not only do they have the exceptionally gifted God's Tongue, but also Alice Nakiri, who at such a young age has already reached Special Grade level.
This young girl truly hit the jackpot, to have met such a master teacher in her childhood, who practically molded her, despite her seeming lack of innate talent, into a Special Grade Chef.
The Dragon Head Pastry on the plate was exquisitely shaped, exuding an imposing aura, making him hesitate, unsure where to begin eating, momentarily trapped in a dilemma.
There was no other way; the dish before him was simply too perfect.
So perfect that he couldn't find a single flaw; no matter where he started, it would feel like a desecration of this Dragon Head Pastry.
"I'll dig in!"
On the other side, after a brief hesitation, Nakiri Senzaemon directly grabbed the dragon by its two sides and bit down on its head.
"Salty, fresh, crispy, and savory, with an endless aftertaste!"
Feeling the rich flavors in his mouth, Nakiri Senzaemon couldn't help but exclaim in praise. Then, with another bite, he swiftly devoured the dish.
Since it was purely a pastry, and contained no filling, its overall flavor was defined by those four characteristics, with some faint flavor from natural dyes intermingled.
However, because Alice Nakiri was worried these flavors would detract from the Dragon Head Pastry's taste, she treated them specially, so the overall flavor remained savory.
"Dylan!"
Watching Dylan stand up and walk towards her, Alice Nakiri called his name, then handed him the problematic Dragon Head Pastry.
Her eyes filled with unease, awaiting his criticism.
"Your main issue here is the dough itself; your technique isn't practiced enough. There's also a shaping problem; you didn't fix it in place. You still need to practice continuously."
Pastry making isn't Alice Nakiri's strong suit. This Dragon Head Pastry barely reached Special Grade level, but the problems within it are frankly terrifying in number.
"I won't say too much more. The natural pigments you extracted from plants are what the general public uses most often, and there's nothing wrong with that method itself.
But you need to remember that your specialty is molecular gastronomy. Extracting colors should be something molecular gastronomy excels at. Why didn't you incorporate that?
Was it force of habit that made you overlook this, or did you simply not consider it from the start? The Dragon Head Pastry is mostly for decoration, but if seasoned properly, it can also become a wonderful dish."
Looking at the remaining flour on the counter before him, Dylan began to speak non-stop.
This Dragon Head Pastry has two preparation methods.
One method is for decoration, where one simply adds a base flavor of salt, as too much flavor could overwhelm the main dish and interfere with other flavors.
The other method is as a pastry dish itself; in that case, there's much more to consider.
Using molecular gastronomy techniques, one can start flavoring from the dyes themselves, gathering various subtle flavors to create an absolute deliciousness.
Although he felt the urge to demonstrate, Dylan ultimately restrained himself, remembering this was Alice Nakiri's main stage.
"Come to the kitchen tonight. I'll personally demonstrate both methods of making the Dragon Head Pastry for you."
"Okay!"
Lowering his voice, Dylan whispered a sentence into Alice Nakiri's ear, then put down the Dragon Head Pastry in his hand, returned to his seat, and continued to enjoy the banquet.
Alice Nakiri, meanwhile, followed closely behind him, as docile as a little bunny.
"That must be Alice's master, Dylan, right? I heard he's a High-Star Special Grade Chef, but I wonder if it's true…"
"A High-Star Special Grade Chef? That's highly unlikely. This guy looks barely twenty at most. How could he possibly be a High-Star Special Grade Chef?"
"I don't know, it feels like hearsay. After all, he's just too young. But regardless, he should at least have Special Grade strength. A Special Grade Chef at this age truly has limitless potential!"
"Alice is truly fortunate; she actually found such a fated partner. With his help, our Nakiri family might even advance further in the future."
Because the news had been suppressed, apart from those in the First and Second Factions, most people's understanding of Dylan came from Alice Nakiri's words just now.
They had heard some rumors before, so Dylan's appearance wasn't entirely unexpected.
However, when it came to saying Dylan was a High-Star Special Grade Chef, very few people present actually believed it. They all thought it was just hype and exaggeration.
For no other reason than that a chef's progress requires immense accumulation of experience; even a heaven-sent genius could absolutely not become a High-Star Special Grade Chef at this age.
However, there are indeed people in this world who can defy common understanding. Such individuals are collectively referred to as "Monsters".
And Dylan is one of them.
"This dish tastes really good. The spun sugar technique is truly masterful, at least Special Grade level. Indeed, one should never underestimate anyone."
Dylan paid no attention to the surrounding chatter. His gaze remained fixed on the dishes before him, praising them as he ate.
It could be said that two-thirds of the dishes on the table before him ended up in his stomach.
Although he had tasted the vast majority of these dishes before, there were also a few creative new ones he hadn't tried, which proved to have a unique flavor.
The family banquet lasted for three hours. Throughout it, people constantly came over to toast them, introduce themselves, and tell Dylan to seek them out if he needed anything.
It was clear they were trying to curry favor and build connections.
Towards these people, Dylan simply smiled and nodded, neither agreeing nor refusing, until the banquet ended, when he finally prepared to stand up and leave.
"Young friend Dylan, are you free now? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you."
However, before Dylan could even stand up, Nakiri Senzaemon approached them with Erina Nakiri, blocking his path.
"What is it?"
Dylan asked, puzzled.
"It's too crowded and noisy here to discuss things properly. Please follow me. Erina, you and Alice can go back first; there's nothing for you here."
"Oh."
"Understood."
Hearing Nakiri Senzaemon's words, the two sisters exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement, and left the banquet hall one after the other.
At this moment, Nakiri Senzaemon made a gesturing motion to Dylan, then led the way. Not long after, the two arrived at a tea room.
"Old man, there are no outsiders here now. What do you want to say? Just speak quickly."
Sitting down one after the other, Dylan watched Nakiri Senzaemon, who said nothing but picked up his teacup and took a sip, then asked.
"Actually, it's nothing major. Before the Totsuki Academy High School Division begins, we'll organize a large-scale transfer student assessment to recruit talented individuals cultivated by independent chefs from all walks of society, to be used for our own purposes.
I hope you can be in charge of this matter."
Setting down his teacup, Nakiri Senzaemon spoke to Dylan.
"Is it really necessary for me to personally handle such a minor task? Wouldn't it be better to just let Erina go?"
Dylan furrowed his brows, his voice tinged with displeasure. This guy couldn't possibly be treating him as mere labor, bothering him even with such trivial matters, could he?
"I originally intended for her to handle it and get some experience, but you know her personality. She definitely can't manage this kind of thing on her own.
So, I hope you can assist her.
Of course, that's just what I'll tell Erina. In reality, you will be the one truly in charge of the transfer student assessment. If you don't find them satisfactory, feel free to reject them all."
Nakiri Senzaemon explained briefly.
After the previous few incidents.
He knew clearly that Dylan was very adept at unearthing people's strengths. Having him in charge of the transfer student assessment might just bring a few young geniuses to Totsuki.
"If that's the case, then it's fine. But there's one question I've always wanted to ask: is your transfer student assessment open to all societal applicants?"
As if something came to mind, Dylan's slightly annoyed expression vanished, replaced by curiosity, as he asked.
"No. To participate in Totsuki's transfer student assessment, one must first have a family involved in chef-related work and possess a certain level of qualifications to be eligible."
Hearing Dylan's question, Nakiri Senzaemon paused for a moment, then continued his explanation.
"In that case, then give me a few extra slots so I can recruit some people. Consider it my compensation for overseeing this transfer student assessment."
Dylan nodded, then presented his condition.
"Do you have anyone to recommend? They must be geniuses among geniuses! If they're recommended by you, they can be directly exempted from the transfer student assessment and enter Totsuki Academy."
Nakiri Senzaemon said, very much in tune with the situation.
"No need for special treatment. With their abilities, entering Totsuki will be effortless. It's about time to put some pressure on the current students."
Stroking the stubble on his chin, a plan suddenly formed in Dylan's mind.
Letting the story develop so calmly would be far too dull. He truly disliked a future that could be seen at a glance!
To break this tranquility, the first step was to stir up the waters.
"I see. Totsuki's structure is already largely set; it's difficult for new waves to emerge.
To bring about new changes, one must inject new power, stir up the waters. Only then will small fish have the chance to 'eat' big fish, with infinite possibilities for growth, eventually becoming colossal beings."
Hearing Dylan's last remark, Nakiri Senzaemon instantly grasped his meaning, his eyes gleamed with understanding.
"Indeed. I enjoy speaking with intelligent people."
Seeing that Nakiri Senzaemon understood his words, Dylan also nodded.
"Then, when the time comes, arrange it yourself. Just get the people recruited. I'll inform my subordinates, and someone will help you handle the rest of the affairs."
"Alright, let's do this."
Having received his assurance, Dylan nodded.
"Oh, by the way, did you teach Alice that 'White Luo Snake Turning Chain' technique? Utilizing the principle of rotation, she handled the dough perfectly with just a single wooden stick.
Seeing how reliant she was on you today, I assume you two have made your relationship official?"
With official matters concluded, the two began discussing private affairs.
Thinking about how intimate Alice Nakiri and Dylan appeared today, Nakiri Senzaemon couldn't help but ask, though he already had the answer in his heart.
"Yes, I did teach her that technique.
And this family banquet, wasn't I attending it precisely as Alice's boyfriend?"
Without a direct answer, but with such a statement, Nakiri Senzaemon nodded, his expression unreadable.
Silence fell upon the scene once more. Nakiri Senzaemon suddenly realized that he and Dylan had pitifully few common topics.
"You should go back and rest. The transfer student assessment will be held three days from now. I'll trouble you with it then."
"I'll keep it in mind."
As night fell, Dylan, carrying bags and packages of luggage, returned to his home at Totsuki.
"Ah! This place really is the most comfortable!"
She launched herself onto the bed, feeling its warmth, Alice Nakiri rolled left and right, an expression of pure enjoyment on her face.
Not wanting to stay at the Nakiri residence any longer, she had quietly returned to her room to pack her bags while Dylan was taken away by Nakiri Senzaemon for a talk.
"Indeed, life at Totsuki is much more comforting."
Beside her, Erina Nakiri said in agreement.
"By the way, why aren't you going back to your own home? What are you doing here at my place?"
Lying on the bed, arms spread wide in an 'X' shape, Alice Nakiri looked up at Erina Nakiri, who was looking down at her, and said with a hint of annoyance.
She had originally planned to go home and enjoy some loving moments with Dylan, using that to vent the frustration she'd accumulated over the past few days. But this silly girl had completely ruined it!
"Isn't Dylan-sensei going to teach you the correct way to make Dragon Head Pastry tonight? I want to learn too."
Erina Nakiri seemed to miss the displeasure in Alice Nakiri's words. She stood with her arms crossed, back straight, perfectly accentuating her figure.
"How do you know about this? Did Dylan-bro tell you?"
Alice Nakiri was puzzled. She had never told anyone that Dylan-sensei would be giving her a private lesson tonight.
"Dylan-sensei pointed out so many flaws in your cooking, but he didn't demonstrate anything on the spot. In that case, the most likely scenario is a private lesson back home."
Erina Nakiri analyzed it logically and methodically. One has to admit, when girls get serious, each one can rival Sherlock Holmes.
"Even if you guessed it, you don't know the White Luo Snake Turning Chain technique, and you've never made a similar dish before. You won't be able to learn it just by watching from the side."
Alice Nakiri advised, she had held back for days; now she was intensely eager, truly unable to wait any longer, and desperately needed a good remedy to ease herself.
Dylan was her medicine.
Someone who had never experienced such a thing would never understand the joy of embracing their beloved.
"I want to learn the White Luo Snake Turning Chain too!"
As luck would have it, Erina Nakiri was exactly that kind of person. Looking at her utterly pure eyes, Alice Nakiri sighed once more.
"I've been learning this technique for many years. You need to lay a solid foundation first before you can proceed to the next steps. It's not something you can learn overnight."
"Then I'll start building the foundation right now!"
Hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Erina Nakiri showed no hint of retreat. All she had was an unyielding obsession with creating the most perfect dish.
This was her heart, her "Heart Towards Cuisine!"
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