"What are you two doing? What kind of behavior is this, hugging and embracing in public!?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who had a distracted expression after being hugged by Alice Nakiri, Erina Nakiri felt even more displeased. What the hell, why was this guy smiling so happily!
"What does it matter? We are partners for today's class, so some physical contact is normal."
Alice Nakiri said as a matter of course. As she spoke, the girl hugged Hoshino Sora's arm even tighter, her soft parts changing shape with the squeeze. She looked at Erina Nakiri provocatively.
"How did you two end up as partners?"
Erina Nakiri asked, puzzled. These two, a combination that could never be linked together, were now standing together. It was hard to imagine what had happened in between.
"She is like the old you, now she is my maid."
Looking at the two sisters whose atmosphere was gradually becoming strange, Hoshino Sora, who was feeling a bit creeped out from being stared at, helplessly spread his hands and spoke softly, drawing closer. He wondered if it was fate, but both sisters had been his maids.
This was good too, to prevent them from mocking each other with this matter when they met in the future. However, after he stated this fact, the expressions of Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri simultaneously became strange.
"Hoshino-kun, didn't I say that this matter is not allowed to be mentioned at Far Moon?!"
Biting her lower lip slightly, observing the reactions of those around her, and confirming that not many people had heard, Erina Nakiri clenched her fist and also lowered her voice, her face imperceptibly reddening.
"So Erina was also Hoshino-kun's maid, that's really surprising. What was the reason? She's the youngest Elite Ten in history, she couldn't have lost in a Food War, could she?"
With a hint of surprise in her eyes, her lips then curled up slightly as if she had obtained some major intelligence. This was truly an unexpected gain. No wonder Erina was so nervous seeing her with Hoshino Sora; it turned out she was afraid of exposing her past!
Thinking of this, Alice Nakiri released Hoshino's arm, which she had been holding tightly, her face slightly flushed. She had hugged him without much thought just now, but now, thinking about it, these actions seemed a bit too intimate.
This was the first time she had hugged anyone's arm other than her father, and she hadn't hugged her father's arm since she grew up. Such intimate actions, realizing it now, she felt extremely ashamed.
Alice Nakiri thought of this belatedly, her gaze unconsciously drifting left and right, and her heart rate also quickened.
Recalling the feeling just now, this guy's arm muscles were so firm, no wonder it hurt more to hit than Ryo-kun. And his arm emitted amazing heat. After close contact, a strange feeling arose from deep within her body.
That feeling was very strange, a tingling sensation like an electric shock. She had never had such a feeling before. It was very similar to the impact of cooking, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't the same thing.
"Me losing to him? How could that be! Instead, you, it couldn't be that you lost a Food War and became his maid, could it?"
Her voice suddenly became a bit sharp, as if questioning the doubting Alice Nakiri. She had only lost a bet; this was not the same concept as losing a Food War!
"How could that be?! I volunteered. Recently, I just wanted to play maid-play, but Ryo-kun refused to accompany me. It just so happened that I found this new student very pleasing to the eye, so I asked him to stay with me!
As for you, since it wasn't a Food War loss, then what was the reason? It couldn't be that you became a maid out of interest, like me, could it?"
Blushing, she spoke words that even she didn't believe, but at this moment, she absolutely couldn't tell the truth, otherwise she would definitely be mocked by Erina Nakiri. This guy really liked doing such things!
As she spoke, Alice Nakiri cast a pitiful glance at Hoshino Sora, seemingly begging him not to reveal the truth. Admitting in front of her cousin that she was forced to become a maid because she lost a Food War was simply too embarrassing!
Before leaving, she had already instructed the members of the Dessert Research Society not to spread the word about this. As the legitimate heir of Eri Nai International, she still had some face.
But she really couldn't get a handle on Hoshino Sora, especially after knowing that he had also made Erina Nakiri his maid.
"Uh-huh, someone suddenly popped out of the bushes this morning asking me to take her as a maid, and kept acting spoiled. If I didn't agree, it would be a bit of a waste."
Thinking of Alice Nakiri's initiative just now, Hoshino Sora immediately made up a lie. However, his help was not without cost. For example, his arm, very naturally, wrapped around the girl's neck beside him, and his hand naturally dropped down along her body.
Facing his overstepping action, Alice Nakiri imperceptibly shivered, disbelief appearing in her eyes. Was this guy really this kind of person?
Fortunately, after he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, he did nothing further. It was just this hand... if it was just a slight touch, it would still be acceptable, after all, she had initiated the hug earlier and the contact area was even greater.
It was the faint, lingering friction that made her body feel a little soft, but she could only hold on, and had to smile in response, because Erina Nakiri was in front of her.
Everyone else was fine, but only Erina, she didn't want to show weakness!
Hoshino Sora did this not simply to take advantage, but more importantly, to give Alice Nakiri a warning: a maid should act like a maid.
To be honest, she didn't look like a maid at all right now.
She was the one who initiated the Food War. Whether it was a joke or a sincere bet, since she lost, she should learn to accept her fate!
In one month, he would properly train this clueless, clumsy girl!
Just like Erina, at first, she had an arrogant attitude towards customers, but later she learned to receive guests calmly, and she was no longer so haughty in her interactions with people. These were all results of his efforts.
Although Alice Nakiri's situation was somewhat different from Erina Nakiri's, they were cousins after all, so they had some similarities, for example, both were a bit arrogant, and both were quite... well-endowed.
"You two..."
Looking at the intimately behaving pair, Erina Nakiri suddenly felt a little uncomfortable, and was about to say something...
"Look here. Good morning, young apprentices."
As the voice sounded, a serious-faced man with golden hair entered the classroom with two assistants. This was Roland Chapel, the director and lecturer of Far Moon's French Cuisine Department.
He was known as the 'Unsmiling Chef' by the students and was famous for his strictness.
"From the moment you stand in the kitchen, you bear the responsibility of creating delicious food. This has nothing to do with experience or position. In my class, any dish that doesn't get an A will receive an E. Please remember that."
His tone suddenly rose when he spoke of dish grades, and his expression was terrifyingly calm, making it impossible to discern his true feelings for a moment.
"Chapel-sensei, he's actually the main lecturer for this class. Interesting."
Looking at Roland Chapel standing on the podium, Alice Nakiri's expression was somewhat surprised. She then turned her head to look at Erina Nakiri, secretly competing with her in her heart.
Simply put, she wanted to see whose cooking was better and who could receive a higher evaluation from Chapel-sensei.
"Now we will begin random team assignments. Come up one by one from left to right to draw lots. We will use random team assignments, for example, numbers 1 and 2 in one group, 3 and 4 in another."
As Roland Chapel's words fell, everyone present froze for a moment, then looked around in despair, their spirits plummeting.
"What? Random drawing!?"
"It's over! Chapel-sensei is already very strict, and a random combination simply can't produce good dishes! If we get a noob, we'll definitely only get an E grade."
"Not necessarily. On the bright side, if we get Erina-sama, won't we be able to advance even if we just lie down and do nothing?!"
"You wish!"
"Silence! Hurry up and draw lots. The countdown starts now. Any student who hasn't found a partner within three minutes will automatically receive an E grade."
Listening to the rustling discussions around him, Roland Chapel slammed the table hard.
"Number 3…"
Looking at the number tag in Hoshino Sora's hand, Alice Nakiri showed a disappointed expression. She was number 21.
"You're number 3?"
"Hmm, are you number 4? We're partners again after a long time."
"Then, please take care of me."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's voice, Hisako Arato cast a confused glance. When she saw the number 3 tag in Hoshino Sora's hand, a look of pleasant surprise appeared in her eyes.
Compared to teaming up with a stranger, teaming up with Hoshino Sora, whom she had known for a long time, was undoubtedly fortunate. She had already had nearly half a month of partnership experience with him at Hoshino Restaurant, and their tacit agreement was no less than hers with Erina-sama.
"I hope you don't drag me down."
"Hmph, that's what I should be saying to you."
Even more coincidentally, Erina Nakiri received the number 22 tag, forming a partnership with Alice Nakiri.
"It seems you've all found your teammates. Now, let's start cooking. Today's theme is French escargot gratin. To prevent some of you from not having made it before, I will write the preparation method on the blackboard.
Next, each group will send a representative to collect ingredients."
"I'll go then."
"Holy crap, don't push!"
"Why are you pushing? Holy crap, you stepped on my foot!"
Hoshino Sora said, then actively stepped forward and activated his 'Raging Bull Charge' mode. Because of the lesson from last time, this time he was at the forefront, walking first, and quickly gathered all the ingredients written on the blackboard.
"That's about it. I'll go up and learn the method. If you've learned it before, you can process the ingredients first. Or how about this, I'll process the ingredients, and you be the Master Chef?"
Tilting his head, Hoshino Sora looked at the familiar person in front of him, appearing very relaxed. After all, they had worked in the kitchen for half a month and talked a lot, so their relationship was now like that of ordinary friends.
Although due to Erina Nakiri, they couldn't talk too much, this didn't mean their relationship was bad.
"It's not impossible. After being your assistant for so long, it's about time I became the Master Chef. Hmph, today I'll show you my skills."
"Then I'll be looking forward to it."
"Then start by helping me process these ingredients."
As he spoke, Hoshino Sora had already finished learning the knowledge on the blackboard and began processing the snails according to Hisako Arato's words, simultaneously showcasing his expert-level knife skills.
On the other side.
Compared to their harmonious atmosphere, the air between Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri was filled with tension. Simply put, neither would yield to the other.
Both had their own ideas, and they argued over every step, resulting in very slow progress. An hour passed, and they had only just finished processing the ingredients, now discussing how to prepare the dish.
Alice advocated for innovative Molecular Cuisine, while Erina preferred a conservative French approach. They argued fiercely over this, but as time passed, they both made concessions.
Simply put, Erina was willing to incorporate elements of Molecular Cuisine into her dish, and Alice agreed to let her be the Master Chef and arrange the dish's composition.
The final product was naturally an A grade, but Roland Chapel's expression was strange. After tasting it for a long time, he finally managed to squeeze out one sentence: "Who taught you to make it like this?"
This was a small interlude, and then it was Hoshino Sora and Hisako Arato's turn.
"Please taste."
As the lid was opened, a rich medicinal aroma poured out, making Roland Chapel swallow. He then looked up to see the two very confident individuals.
Without hesitation, he used a special tool to clip the snail shell, then gently pulled with a fork, and the entire snail, mixed with seasonings, was pulled out.
"This is astragalus, codonopsis, white bamboo… and some flavors I can't identify, but it's rare to add so many medicinal herbs without overpowering the dish's original flavor!"
As the dish went down, Roland Chapel's face instantly became radiant. Unlike ordinary French escargot gratin, the flavor of this dish was neutral, clearly adjusted to neutralize the inherent bitterness of the medicinal herbs, making for an excellent proportional adjustment.
Eating it felt like snails crawling all over his body, but beneath these snails was no longer mucus, but various medicinal liquids made from herbs.
The cool sensation on his body was very comfortable, giving a healing feeling from the inside out. This was different from any French escargot gratin he had eaten before; the improvement was extremely successful!
"I give you an A grade. Of course, the grade of this dish is definitely more than an A, but I only have the right to give you an A grade. However, in my heart, it absolutely reached an A+ level!"
Compared to the chaotic cooking of the previous group, the dishes of this group were clearly carefully refined. Under random grouping, to have such coordination on their first partnership, they are truly very capable children!
In contrast, the other two, despite having excellent cooking skills, showed no cooperation at all. The dishes they presented were only one or two levels higher than those of ordinary students.
They simply did not leverage the advantages of teamwork!
"Thank you, Chapel-sensei. We will continue to work hard."
Hearing Roland Chapel's praise, Hisako Arato was delighted and quickly expressed her gratitude, a proud smile appearing on her face. Since Erina-sama usually did the cooking, getting an A grade was commonplace and effortless.
But now it was different. She was the one cooking. Although the seasoning in the middle was done by Hoshino Sora, most of this dish was made by her. Thus, how could she not be overjoyed at receiving such high praise?
"Keep up the good work! I have high hopes for you!"
— — — — — — — — — —
"Are you planning to go back to the dormitory with me?"
Looking at Alice Nakiri, who was following him distractedly, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but ask. She had been like this ever since they left the cooking classroom, not knowing what she was thinking.
"Hoshino-kun, can I ask you a question?"
"Just ask whatever you want."
"Why did Erina become your maid? What happened between you two?"
Biting her fingernails and blinking her large, watery eyes, Alice Nakiri asked with great curiosity. She was really concerned about this, and when she asked Erina privately, the latter refused to say anything.
"You're still stuck on that question, huh? It's fine to tell you. She lost a bet with me back then, and then she worked at my shop as a clerk for half a month, wearing a maid outfit.
As cousins, you shouldn't be dressed more shabbily than Erina, right? If you want to be a maid, you can't wear this outfit. A maid outfit is standard."
"I know, but I don't have a maid outfit at home…"
Waving his finger, Hoshino Sora naturally began to lecture. A maid without a maid outfit had no soul!
"Then let's go back and rest for now. Report back tomorrow morning at 7 AM. I need to go out."
[Kitagawa Marin: How is it? School started today. The principal talked a lot of nonsense, but the new uniform is quite nice. I'll send you a copy.]
Lowering his head, his fingers moved quickly on the phone screen. Looking at the selfie of the school uniform sent by Kitagawa, Hoshino Sora's lips curved slightly. Sure enough, high school girls were the best.
"Got it, but what have you been looking at since just now?"
"Nothing. Go home quickly. Be careful on the way."
"Eh…!?"
Seeing Alice Nakiri's cute attempt to peek at his screen by standing on her tiptoes, Hoshino Sora very naturally reached out and pressed her down. This thing couldn't be seen; if it was, it would definitely be misunderstood.
It wasn't that he was afraid of being misunderstood as a couple. The key was that the location of the picture the other party sent was very strange, actually in the restroom, and he could feel what was inside through the school uniform…
The top button was directly unbuttoned, as if she had deliberately opened it for him to see…
"Hoo…"
On the other side, Kitagawa Marin in the women's restroom let out a deep breath, then buttoned up her shirt. Hoshino Sora was right; she did it on purpose, considering it a small benefit for that Fool Master Chef.
Of course, it was also to make sure he didn't forget her.
Seeing the 'read' status at the bottom of the message, Kitagawa Marin contentedly put her phone into her skirt, then left the restroom stall, looking to be in a very good mood.
At this moment, Hoshino Sora had already said goodbye to Alice Nakiri and returned to Yōbi Dormitory. The Yōbi Dormitory was very lively at this time; as soon as he reached the entrance, he heard shouts coming from inside.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.