Silver-white hair.
Under the dim lights of the tavern, it shimmered like frost.
In terms of appearance, she was in no way inferior to her cousin. Her facial features were sharp yet delicate, as if sculpted with precision. She had an exotic, mixed-race beauty—pure yet striking.
But what stood out most was her deep, blood-red eyes, gleaming like freshly spilled wine.
The moment she stepped into the tavern, Alice Nakiri's curiosity flared.
Her gaze darted around, taking in the cozy yet meticulously arranged interior. Despite its small scale, the tavern was fully equipped—polished kitchenware, neatly organized ingredients, and exquisite cooking tools all reflected the chef's meticulous craftsmanship.
Her lips curled into an intrigued smile.
"So this is the famous tavern that even Grandpa spoke so highly of?"
A Sudden Encounter
"Hmm?"
Zane, who had been leisurely eating, paused when he saw Erina walk in behind Alice.
"Zane, let me introduce you," Erina said, stepping forward.
"This is my cousin, Alice. She used to live in Northern Europe but just returned yesterday. She's planning to transfer to Tōtsuki this year."
Alice gave Zane a polite nod, but her crimson eyes sparkled with interest as she studied him.
Erina continued, "Grandfather mentioned you during dinner, and Alice became curious. So, she insisted on coming here tonight to see your skills firsthand."
Zane raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that so?"
However, before he could say anything more, Erina's expression suddenly froze.
Her golden eyes locked onto the dining table—where a certain earthenware jar sat, steam rising from its surface.
A powerful, intoxicating aroma filled the air.
It was unmistakable.
"Buddha Jumps Over the Wall?" Erina muttered in disbelief.
It really was!
No wonder the scent had been lingering in the air the moment she walked in!
The Other Nakiri Genius
Zane glanced at Alice again.
She had always been the more straightforward of the two Nakiri cousins.
Unlike Erina, who carried the burden of the God's Tongue, Alice had no such supernatural talent. Instead, she had carved her own path—one fueled by sheer intellect and innovation.
At five, she left Japan and immersed herself in molecular gastronomy at the Nakiri International Research Group in Northern Europe.
At nine, she had already dominated international molecular cuisine competitions.
At ten, she held 45 patents in culinary science and was contracted by over 20 restaurants and research institutions.
She may not have had the God's Tongue, but in the field of molecular gastronomy, Alice Nakiri was nothing short of a prodigy.
Zane smirked to himself.
"This one is going to be interesting."
Meanwhile, Alice tilted her head, observing him closely.
"I didn't expect this mysterious Chef Zane to be even more handsome than I imagined."
"Good evening!" she greeted with a bright smile. "It's my first time here, I hope we're not disturbing you."
"Heh, visitors are always welcome," Zane replied, shaking her extended hand.
Compared to Erina's initial arrival, Alice was surprisingly polite.
An Irresistible Invitation
Zane noticed Erina's gaze still locked onto the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.
A playful smirk tugged at his lips.
"What? Do you want some?" he teased.
"I…"
Erina's cheeks flushed pink.
She wanted to sit down and eat, just like Sonoka. She wanted to savor that heavenly aroma that was already making her mouth water.
But…
Zane's smug expression made her feel as if he was baiting her, like a cat playing with a mouse.
"I… I don't want any!" she stammered, turning her head away.
Zane chuckled.
"Yeah, sure. I know you too well."
With a casual motion, he gestured to the prepared tableware.
"The bowls are set for you. Just sit down and eat already."
Erina hesitated—then quickly took her seat.
Deep down, she knew.
"There's no way I can resist this!"
A Taste Beyond Understanding
The aroma still lingered in the air.
Erina scooped up a spoonful and brought it to her lips.
Her heart pounded with anticipation.
As the first bite touched her tongue—
Her mind went blank.
The flavors unfolded one after another, each layer more profound than the last.
Rich umami, deep savory notes, subtle hints of aged wine, the natural sweetness of seafood, and the tenderness of slow-cooked meats.
But then—
"Wait. What's happening?"
Her God's Tongue kicked in.
Usually, with one taste, she could analyze every ingredient in a dish. But this time—
"Something's wrong."
The layers of complexity in Zane's Buddha Jumps Over the Wall were so deep, so seamlessly blended, that even her God's Tongue struggled to break them apart!
Fish maw.
Fish lips.
Fish stomach.
Sea cucumber.
Shiitake mushrooms…
No matter how hard she tried to dissect the flavors, they kept slipping away, merging back into a single, flawless harmony.
Her mind raced.
"How?! Even with my God's Tongue… I can't fully grasp this dish?"
Despite her confusion, one thing was undeniable—
It was delicious beyond reason.
Alice's Turn
"Erina?"
Alice watched as her usually composed cousin sat there, utterly stunned.
That dazed expression—that was new.
"You okay?" Alice asked.
Erina blinked, snapping out of it.
"Hurry up and try it," she urged. "Didn't you say you wanted to see Zane's skills?"
Alice narrowed her eyes.
"For Erina to react like this…"
She wasted no time.
Taking a spoon, she carefully scooped up a portion of the broth and brought it to her lips.
The moment it entered her mouth—
Her crimson eyes widened in shock.
The balance of flavors.
The depth of umami.
The way every ingredient fused into a perfect masterpiece.
This was nothing like the molecular dishes she had mastered.
This was—
"What kind of dish is this?!"