Chapter 153: That Wasn't My Stomach Growling Just Now!
'What should I eat first?'
The Nutcracker's gaze passed through the black lace ribbon, taking in the array of glowing, jewel-like dishes. It only took her a second to decide: meat first.
Her chopsticks reached for the Beef Bourguignon, and she lifted a piece of beef, richly coated in a red wine sauce, to her lips...
"Mmmph—!"
The next moment, she tilted her head back, her long, swan-like neck arching gracefully, a sweet, soft moan escaping her throat. The full curves of her chest, wrapped in the black halter top, trembled. Beneath her white miniskirt, her slender legs, clad in stiletto heels, pressed together, tensing and then relaxing.
"This is so delicious!"
The tender, juicy beef was exquisite, and its warmth was wonderful. With a gentle bite, the juices burst forth, and a rich, mellow aroma instantly filled her mouth. It was unbelievably delicious.
At first, she was stunned, then she closed her eyes in enjoyment. When she opened them again, she felt as if she had traveled through time and space to a paradise of vibrant green grass and soaring birds. A gentle spring breeze caressed her, rustling her long, beautiful black hair. Bright sunlight poured down from the sky, bathing her in a warm, golden glow.
Suddenly, a dense buzzing sound grew closer. She turned to see a swarm of cartoon bees, each with a cute, chibi version of the Culinary Sage's face, flying joyfully towards her. They were carrying reddish-purple clay pots and, with playful arcs through the air, they mischievously poured streams of crystal-clear, golden honey over her head.
The thick, golden honey flowed through her hair and over her pale, delicate skin, refracting the sunlight into an amber glow. The air was instantly filled with a sweet, cloying fragrance...
...
"Oohh—!"
Her consciousness returned to reality. She looked down at the glowing Beef Bourguignon on her plate and let out a soft sigh of wonder. 'Was that... a food illusion?' she thought. 'How incredible!' She gripped her chopsticks tighter, her eyes shining with excitement and anticipation as she looked at the other dishes.
She tasted each one in turn.
"This one is super delicious, too!"
"So good!" (๑´ڡ`๑)
The more she ate, the more excited and surprised she became. Each dish was a stunning revelation, wave after wave of deliciousness washing over her taste buds. An intense feeling of happiness enveloped her, and her consciousness was swept away into one food illusion after another...
"Nnngh~~~."
A strange flush appeared on her pale, delicate face, and another alluring moan escaped her full, red lips.
"Ahem... Miss, please try to restrain yourself a little," Ryohei said with a light cough, looking at the Nutcracker. He hadn't wanted to say anything, but her occasional moans were making the middle-aged man next to her blush with embarrassment. The atmosphere in the restaurant had become a bit... suggestive.
"...Sumimasen!" The Nutcracker paused, then raised a slender hand to cover her mouth. "It's my first time eating something this delicious," she said to Ryohei, embarrassed. "I couldn't help myself..."
"It's fine, just be a little more mindful from now on." Ryohei waved it off with a smile.
The Nutcracker breathed a sigh of relief and continued to enjoy her meal. This time, however, she was extra careful, focusing on one thing: eating without making a sound.
...
The time soon flew by to past nine o'clock. After seeing off the last of the customers and tidying up the restaurant, the group went their separate ways. Ryohei drove his new car, with Yurine, Jashin-chan, and Minos as passengers.
As soon as they got out of the car in front of the house, a muffled voice said, "Good evening."
A small figure, shrouded in a black cloak and wearing a gas mask, stepped out from the side of the house and greeted them.
"Ah... a suspicious person has appeared!" Jashin-chan pointed at the figure.
"Jashin-chan?" The white-haired, 145-centimeter-tall loli looked at Jashin-chan's tail. 'Tail confirmed. It's the demon I'm looking for!'
"It seems she knows you," Minos said, casually placing a hand on her slender waist and turning to Jashin-chan.
"Minos-chan?" Persephone II looked at Minos's horns and blue hair and greeted her.
"Eh?" Minos said, surprised. "She knows me, too?"
'The Second?' Ryohei, the last to get out of the car, recognized the visitor. He was just a little surprised that she had found their home...
"Is she a friend of yours from the Demon World?" Yurine asked, taking out her key to open the door. She glanced at Jashin-chan and Minos, then said to Persephone II, "Why don't you come in and sit down for a bit?"
"I don't know her at all!" Jashin-chan denied it, looking completely baffled.
"I don't know her either," Minos said, thinking. The voice was unfamiliar to her.
"I am Persephone II, an emissary of my mother, come all the way from the Demon World," the Second said, placing a hand on her chest by way of introduction.
"Eh? Persephone?" Both Jashin-chan and Minos were shocked to hear the name. "You're the teacher's daughter?" Minos exclaimed.
"Since you're acquainted, come on in and sit down," Ryohei interrupted, heading for the door.
"Right, come in, come in," Minos said warmly to the Second.
The Second did not refuse. "Then I shall impose!"
"Guuuuu~~~~~~."
At that moment, a long, loud rumbling sound echoed in the night. Ryohei turned around in surprise. Yurine, Jashin-chan, and Minos also looked over, startled.
The Second froze mid-stride, her face, hidden beneath the gas mask, instantly turning beet red. She instinctively lowered her head, then snapped it back up, clutching her stomach with both hands.
"That... that wasn't my stomach growling just now!" she stammered, her voice filled with acute embarrassment.
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