Food Wars: Tavern

A tavern, unlike regular pubs centered around alcohol, also offered quality meals.

Different from ordinary snack shops, you could see people inside drinking and chatting animatedly, their faces flushed from alcohol, and expressions lively. Even though you might not understand what they were talking about, you could sense the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere as they let loose with the help of alcohol.

At the same time, Zane's tavern.

Though the food wasn't as exquisite as high-end restaurants, it exuded sincerity.

Firstly, the ingredients were fresh.

Zane's cooking skills were impressive, from seasoning, cooking techniques, knife skills, to heat control, all of which left the customers amazed and satisfied!

Each dish he made, while looking ordinary, gave customers a simple delight and satisfaction like homemade dishes.

Lastly, and importantly, regardless of the variety of dishes available, the prices were affordable.

Due to this, the tavern gradually became a gathering place for people to relax and enjoy with friends.

Students, office workers, or friends from nearby would often hold 'simple banquets' at the tavern.

So, sitting in the tavern, having a few dishes and a bottle of wine, that was truly a worthwhile experience!

...

"Shopkeeper, order of Tamagoyaki."

"Sure, please wait!"

When the sign outside the door suddenly lit up with a red glow, it meant that the tavern was finally open for business!

The first customer to enter was a teacher from nearby.

Unlike others who often came in groups, he usually came alone.

He never drank alcohol, only ordered a few dishes, quickly ate, and then hurriedly left.

Tamagoyaki, which translates to "grilled egg," was a popular dish in the tavern, and the customer eagerly ordered it.

At this moment, Zane prepared the necessary ingredients:

Eggs.

Special mirin.

Japanese soy sauce.

Broth.

Salt.

Sugar.

"Do you want to add cheese like before?"

"No need."

"Well, then how about some green onions?"

"Sure!"

After a simple conversation, Zane cracked the eggs into a bowl.

He added broth, mirin, soy sauce, green onions, salt, and sugar, and mixed them together.

Then poured the egg mixture into a skillet, heated over medium, rolled it when the egg solidified, and continued cooking until fully cooked.

Thus, the simple and delicious Tamagoyaki was ready!

On the outside, Zane's Tamagoyaki had a golden hue, looked more vibrant in the soft lighting, increasing its appeal!

When sliced, the Tamagoyaki revealed a delicate texture due to the changes in the egg proteins during heating.

With a soft texture, the Tamagoyaki was a delight to eat.

After finishing the Tamagoyaki, the teacher paid and promptly left.

This kind of situation was not uncommon for Zane.

He collected the money from the table and wiped it clean with a cloth.

After that, he sat at the front desk, enjoying his tea, looking content!

"How interesting."

"That proud God's Tongue girl actually appeared in this way!"

Taking another sip of tea, thoughts of Erina's sudden appearance from the black car crossed Zane's mind.

He couldn't help but pause for a moment before exclaiming.

...

In fact, ever since he crossed into this world, he had caused many butterfly effects.

For example:

Meeting Rindō Kobayashi.

Her instant infatuation with him led her to frequent the tavern almost every night, neglecting her duties as part of the top ten in the Elite Ten Council.

Zane believed that under his influence, her future life would definitely change!

Then there was Sonoka's Shunkatei.

It was quite a coincidence that when he was choosing the location for opening the tavern, the adjacent place was a Japanese cuisine restaurant. However, due to poor management, it had to be handed over to Zane.

This unexpected coincidence made him neighbors with Sonoka, the former second among the top ten.

And now, Erina also appeared unexpectedly.

Vaguely, Zane felt that her arrival this time would cause even more butterfly effects.

It might even change his tavern, her future life, and the entire Totsuki Culinary Academy in profound ways!

"God's Tongue?"

"I wonder what her reaction will be when she tries my dishes?"

Finally sipping his tea, Zane couldn't help but smile softly.

...

Meanwhile, at the neighboring Shunkatei.

This Western-style restaurant had a grand and elegant ambiance!

In the spacious dining area, the rectangular tables were adorned with beautiful flowers and exquisite candles to decorate the tabletops.

In contrast to the soft lighting in the tavern, all the lights here were bright white.

Additionally,

White tablecloths.

Luxurious tableware.

Bright floors.

Exquisite cutlery.

Combined with the serene atmosphere, these elements made the Shunkatei unique!

"Miss, the dining ambiance at Shunkatei is so pleasant~"

Upon entering, Hisako carefully surveyed the surroundings, deeply impressed by every exquisite detail here!

"So, don't you find it even more strange?"

"How can a restaurant like this end up in a poorly managed state?"

Looking away, Erina expressed her confusion.

"Erina."

"Hisako."

"Both of you, it's been a while!"

Just then, Sonoka finally emerged from the kitchen.

Seeing Erina and Hisako arrive at Shunkatei as scheduled, she couldn't help but feel a bit excited.

Finally, she happily stepped forward and greeted them both.