The introduction of the four renowned culinary judges was complete. In the main area, four special seats were reserved for the judges, and Hisako Arato entered from another entrance. She was the examiner for the preliminary rounds.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I am Hisako Arato, the examiner for this preliminary round," Hisako Arato began to explain the rules of the preliminary round in a calm voice.
"The rules for the first preliminary round are simple: create a dish with the theme of 'snacks' and then choose one of the four judges to taste your dish. If the judge grants you clearance, then congratulations, you advance to the next round."
"Each judge has twenty spots to pass contestants from the preliminary round."
"Everyone has thirty minutes. If anyone fails to make their dish within thirty minutes, they will be directly eliminated."
"Countdown, ten seconds."
The Hisako Arato of ten years later exuded the refinement of a professional. Her words were simple and clear, and her full presence immediately awed the preliminary contestants. Everyone stood before their temporary cooking stations, awaiting the countdown. When the countdown ended, they would rush to the central ingredient area to grab the ingredients for their dishes. However, some also went to the spice area, preparing to mix their spices first.
Having finished this overview and guidance, Hisako Arato walked directly towards Erina Nakiri's position. What greeted her, however, was this unexpected question.
"Hisako, are there no extra seats?" Erina mused. There were only four seats for the judges, and having Renz stand beside her felt a bit strange.
Hisako Arato almost spat out a mouthful of blood. She had thought she could come over and reminisce. After all, thirty minutes to prepare a dish was plenty of time, and Hisako Arato was prepared to stand by Erina sama's side for the long haul. But who would have thought that Erina's first words upon arriving would be to find Renz a seat?
I'm not upset. Not at all. And I'm certainly not jealous of him.
"These are reserved seats for the judges; there are no extra spots," Hisako Arato said, forcing a smile.
"It's fine, darling, you just sit here. I'm okay standing. Anyway, I'll go back to the audience seats to look after the children soon," Renz said, waving his hand. Renz also didn't want to bother Erina by making a fuss about finding him a seat.
"Hisako, can a judge leave their seat?" Erina asked, narrowing her eyes. "I want to see the skills of these preliminary contestants."
"Of course," Hisako Arato replied without much thought.
Erina stood up. She glanced at Renz and said, "Renz, come with me to take a look." Don't overthink it. She truly wanted to see what the skills of these chefs were like ten years later, and also, Erina had something she wanted to tell Renz.
"Hisako, you should go preside over the order of the examination hall," Erina turned and said to Hisako Arato. When these words were spoken, Hisako Arato felt like her world was about to collapse.
Was Erina sama... dismissing me again?!
I really am someone who can't speak properly; I easily annoy the Erina sama, Hisako Arato thought to herself, tears welling up internally.
Seemingly sensing Hisako Arato's emotions, Erina quickly added, "It's just that there's some personal matter that's not very convenient to discuss, which I'd like to talk about with Renz as we walk."
Renz's face immediately darkened. Big tsundere, I didn't misjudge you. You're still you. If I'm a steel-straight man, you're a crystal-straight woman. Your words didn't comfort her at all. With your emotional intelligence, I, Renz, could beat you with one hand tied behind my back. I'll have to rescue the situation again. Hmph.
"It's not really anything private. The children have some issues with their studies. I discussed it with their teacher yesterday and hoped to talk it over with Erina."
"Hisako, as an examiner, you should focus on your work first. Erina and I can discuss these matters ourselves."
This girl was clearly jealous of Erina. He probably felt like his best friend was looking down on him for not sharing his private troubles. At a time like this, finding a convenient "private matter" or fabricating a benevolent lie to show trust would be enough to comfort her.
When it comes to saving the day and controlling the scene, you still have to look at me.
However, the next second, Renz realized the seriousness of the problem: Hisako Arato's expression was getting worse and worse. Hisako Arato's emotional state hadn't collapsed completely yet. But when Renz blurted out the word "children," Hisako Arato knew she had lost. A "-9999" critical hit, true damage, appeared directly above her head.
Yes, indeed. Erina sama is already a mother of two children.
What right do I have to inquire about their affairs?
Oh no. Renz felt that his approach to comforting others was completely wrong; not only was it wrong, but he was going further and further down the wrong path.
"Hisako, don't overthink it. You and I are the best of friends," Erina took a deep breath. "We've known each other for much longer than I've known Renz!"
As her words fell, Hisako Arato finally brightened up a little.
"Yes, that's right!" Hisako Arato's gaze returned to the examination hall. "Speaking of which, as an examiner, I really shouldn't be slacking off here!"
Erina and Renz simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.
What a bother. We finally managed to deal with it!
Erina and Renz walked one after the other along the edge of the examination hall. Erina occasionally glanced at the preliminary contestants' movements, and the two remained silent for a while.
After a long pause, Erina said sternly, "Renz, if you ever feel wronged again, don't hold it in. Slap them back. If you really can't, then just tell me directly." She was still bothered by what happened at the entrance earlier. It seemed Renz had been wronged there. The thing she had been trying to communicate all along was this. It wasn't that Erina was domineering or anything.
Rather, Erina could not tolerate anyone pointing fingers at the Nakiri family.
"You must remember, you are a member of the Nakiri family."
"The only person who can boss you around is me."
"No matter what trouble or hostility you encounter, I, Erina Nakiri, will represent the Nakiri family and protect you."
"You are not allowed to disgrace me."
"Did you understand?"
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