A tavern was different from a typical pub.
While pubs primarily revolved around alcohol, a tavern offered quality meals as well.
It wasn't just an ordinary snack shop either—inside, people laughed and chatted animatedly, their faces flushed with drink, their spirits lively. Even if you didn't understand their conversations, you could feel the relaxed and carefree atmosphere, where worries faded under the warmth of good company and strong liquor.
At the same time—
There was Zane's Tavern.
It wasn't an extravagant, high-end restaurant.
But every dish held a sense of sincerity.
What made it special?
First—The ingredients were always fresh.
Second—Zane's skills were exceptional. His seasoning, cooking techniques, knife work, and heat control never failed to impress.
Third—Though his dishes seemed simple, they carried a warmth reminiscent of homemade meals—food that brought comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
And most importantly—
Despite the high quality, the prices were affordable.
This combination turned the tavern into a beloved gathering spot.
Students, office workers, and locals often held small banquets here, drinking, eating, and unwinding after a long day.
Because for them, nothing compared to the simple pleasure of good food, good wine, and good company.
"Shopkeeper, one order of Tamagoyaki, please!"
"Got it. Please wait!"
The red glow of the tavern's entrance sign flickered to life—indicating that business had officially begun.
The first customer to step inside was a familiar face: a nearby teacher.
Unlike most patrons, he always came alone.
He never drank.
He would order a few dishes, eat quietly, and then leave in a hurry.
And today, his choice was a classic favorite: Tamagoyaki—a grilled Japanese omelet.
Zane nodded, already preparing the necessary ingredients:
• Eggs
• Special mirin
• Japanese soy sauce
• Dashi broth
• Salt
• Sugar
"Do you want to add cheese like last time?" Zane asked casually.
"No need," the teacher replied.
"Then how about some green onions?"
"Sure."
That was all the conversation needed.
With practiced ease, Zane cracked the eggs into a bowl, adding the broth, mirin, soy sauce, green onions, salt, and sugar.
He whisked the mixture thoroughly before pouring it into a heated skillet.
The aroma of cooking eggs and savory seasonings filled the air.
As the mixture set, Zane skillfully rolled the layers, repeating the process until the omelet was thick, golden, and perfectly shaped.
When sliced, the delicate layers were visible, revealing a soft and fluffy texture that practically melted in the mouth.
The teacher ate in his usual quiet manner, savoring each bite.
Once finished, he paid, gave a slight nod of thanks, and left—just as swiftly as he had arrived.
Zane merely sighed, wiping the table clean before settling behind the front desk, a cup of tea in hand.
He took a slow sip, his mind wandering.
"How interesting."
"That proud God's Tongue girl… actually appeared here in this way."
He thought back to earlier that evening—when Erina Nakiri had stepped out of that black luxury car.
Ever since arriving in this world, Zane had caused countless butterfly effects.
Some minor.
Some… far more significant.
For example:
1. Meeting Rindō Kobayashi.
• She had become infatuated with the tavern's food.
• Now, she visited almost every night, neglecting some of her Elite Ten responsibilities.
• Because of him, her future was already changing.
2. Sonoka's Shunkatei.
• By sheer coincidence, the location he had chosen for the tavern was right next to a struggling Japanese restaurant.
• Its previous owner had failed, and Sonoka—a former Second Seat of Totsuki's Elite Ten—had taken over.
• And now, their fates were intertwined.
And now—
3. Erina Nakiri.
Her arrival tonight felt like another turning point.
Would it change the tavern?
Would it change her future?
Would it change Totsuki Culinary Academy itself?
Zane smirked slightly, taking another sip of tea.
"God's Tongue, huh?"
"I wonder what her reaction will be when she tastes my food?"
Meanwhile, at Shunkatei
The Western-style restaurant had an elegant atmosphere.
• Soft classical music played in the background.
• Rectangular tables were neatly arranged, adorned with delicate flowers and exquisite candles.
• The white tablecloths were pristine.
• The silver cutlery gleamed under the bright, ambient lighting.
It was a stark contrast to Zane's warm, inviting tavern.
"Miss, the atmosphere here is so pleasant~" Hisako murmured, admiring the luxurious interior.
But Erina barely spared it a glance.
Instead, she frowned.
"Don't you find it… strange?"
Hisako blinked.
"Strange?"
Erina's golden eyes flickered as she scanned the restaurant.
"A place this refined, with a chef as skilled as Sonoka… shouldn't be failing so easily."
She crossed her arms.
"Something isn't adding up."
At that moment—
"Erina! Hisako!"
A familiar voice called out.
From the kitchen emerged a young woman in a pristine chef's uniform.
Her auburn hair was neatly tied back, and despite the exhaustion in her eyes, a genuine smile spread across her face.
"It's been a while!"
Sonoka.
The former Second Seat of Totsuki's Elite Ten.
Seeing Erina and Hisako standing at the entrance, she felt a surge of excitement.
She hurried forward, greeting them warmly.
Because deep down—
She knew.
Tonight…
Would determine the future of Shunkatei.