"Just a small glass."
This is a phrase often heard from overworked employees following the grueling 9-9-6 work schedule when they visit the tavern.
However, this sentence is nothing more than empty words—about as meaningless as a politician saying, "Let me just say a few simple words."
These exhausted workers frequently promise themselves: "Just one more glass, then I'll head home."
And what happens?
A dozen drinks later, they're still chatting away, reluctant to leave.
Some of them, in truth, don't even want to go home; they're just looking for an excuse to linger outside. For people like that, taverns naturally become a refuge.
After all, the word "residence" in tavern implies a place where one can stay—a space to linger for as long as they need.
But Zane, ever the stickler for rules, always shuts his tavern doors at midnight sharp.
A Rainy Night at the Tavern
Tonight, heavy rain blankets the city, setting the perfect mood.
The air is thick with moisture as raindrops hammer the streets, bouncing off puddles in tiny splashes. The downpour grows louder, drowning out the sounds of the night.
Despite the weather, a few customers visit the tavern after Erina. However, their numbers are noticeably lower than usual.
Even those who do drop by don't linger; once they've eaten and had their fill, they leave.
With business slowing down, the atmosphere inside the tavern is quieter than usual, allowing Zane a rare moment of relaxation.
He picks up a cloth and carefully presses it against a knife blade, ensuring the cloth covers it completely. Starting from the tip, he meticulously wipes along the spine, then flips the cloth to clean the other side.
His movements are precise and practiced.
When he's finished, the blade gleams under the dim tavern lights.
Sitting nearby, Erina rests her chin on her hands, watching him intently. Her violet eyes seem deep in thought, but what exactly is on her mind?
A Late-Night Conversation
"Why are you staring at me?"
Zane finally puts down the knife and looks at Erina.
He already has a feeling that the Reincarnation Spring Roll from earlier had a significant impact on her. With that in mind, he decides to tease her a little.
"Am I?"
Erina blinks in surprise at his question before quickly looking away.
"I mean, you've already had your meal," Zane continues. "And you're underage, so why are you still hanging around a tavern?"
To him, it's strange.
Someone from the Nakiri family wouldn't typically waste time in a small, unassuming place like this.
Yet, like Rindou, who stuck around after tasting his food, Erina seems unwilling to leave.
Of course, a tavern is a place meant for food and drinks—a social space for people to enjoy themselves.
And as a customer, Erina is technically a "god" in this establishment.
Since closing time hasn't arrived yet, Zane has no real reason to send her away.
Still… having the two of them just sit there, staring at each other in silence, is starting to feel awkward.
"Well…"
"Didn't I already tell you?" Erina finally speaks, though her voice wavers slightly.
"I didn't come here just for your food," she insists. "I'm just… waiting out the rain."
She blinks and quickly adds, "It's still pouring outside, so of course, I have to stay here. Once it eases up, then I'll leave."
That's her excuse, huh?
Zane gives her a skeptical look.
Did she really anticipate tonight's downpour? Otherwise, why come up with such a flimsy reason?
Sensing his growing doubt, Erina shifts uncomfortably and abruptly changes the topic.
"Besides, who says I can't stay just because I don't drink alcohol? Can't I order something else?"
She straightens up and says, "Like that herbal tea you made last night—I actually found it quite nice. So… can you make me another cup?"
"…You're really set on staying, huh?"
Zane can't help but chuckle at her persistence.
Without saying anything more, he heads to the back and prepares two cups of herbal tea, placing them in front of Erina and Hisako.
A Quiet Tavern and New Arrivals
Indeed, as Erina pointed out, the tavern has plenty of underage customers.
Since they can't drink alcohol, Zane always keeps a variety of non-alcoholic beverages stocked—jasmine tea, cooling herbal drinks, plum juice, and even simple sweet syrups.
Erina picks up her cup of jasmine tea.
Bringing it close, she takes a gentle sniff.
The familiar floral scent greets her, followed by an equally familiar taste.
It's not extravagant—just an ordinary cup of jasmine tea.
Yet, its delicate fragrance and lingering aftertaste are enough to captivate her senses.
"Rindou, is this the tavern you were talking about?"
Meanwhile, outside in the pouring rain, two figures stand with umbrellas.
Droplets of water slide down Momo's forehead before dripping onto the pavement.
She lifts her gaze toward the small, dimly lit tavern, a trace of doubt flickering in her eyes.
She never imagined that Rindou, the second seat of Totsuki's Elite Ten, would be a regular at such a humble place.
"Yup, this is the one," Rindou confirms with a nod.
"Trust me, the owner here used to be a five-star hotel chef. If he shows you a bit of his skill, I guarantee you'll find a solution to your soufflé problem."
With that, she confidently pushes open the door and steps inside.
Momo hesitates for a moment.
But with the rain still pouring and having come this far, she has no choice but to follow.
A Challenge for the Chef
A fragrant cup of jasmine tea.
A hazy mist rising from its surface.
As Erina takes another sip, two figures enter the tavern.
One exudes the confidence of an older sister, while the other—clutching a doll in her arms—radiates an air of quiet curiosity.
The older one, of course, is Rindou—a regular here.
The doll-holding girl, with her round, inquisitive eyes, is none other than Momo Akanegakubo, the fourth seat of the Elite Ten.
Seeing them, Erina quickly rises to greet them.
"Erina Nakiri?"
Rindou raises an eyebrow.
"You actually got here before me tonight?"
She casually takes a seat beside Erina, her usual playful yet commanding presence filling the room.
Meanwhile, Momo clutches her doll a little tighter, her emerald-green eyes scanning Erina critically before giving her a small nod of acknowledgment.
Unlike Rindou's outgoing nature, Momo tends to be quiet around strangers.
"It's pouring outside," Zane remarks, approaching them with a light chuckle.
"But that didn't stop you from making a trip to the tavern, huh?"
"Come on, Chef Zane," Rindou waves him off. "No need for pleasantries."
She gestures toward Momo.
"Let me introduce you—this is Momo, the current fourth seat of the Elite Ten. Her specialty is desserts. Don't let her size fool you—she's terrifyingly good."
Zane glances at Momo.
Because of her small stature and quiet demeanor, he hadn't noticed her at first.
Now, taking a closer look, he sees a girl with large green eyes, cautiously studying him in return.
Momo narrows her eyes slightly.
A foreign chef?
Could he really create a soufflé that doesn't collapse?
She wasn't convinced.
And so, she issued her challenge.