Observing Erina's tsundere demeanor, Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle to himself, finding amusement in her behavior.
Truly, she embodied the essence of a classic tsundere.
However, before he could dwell on that thought, a tantalizing sound reached his ears, causing him to pause.
"Mmm~... Ahh~..Ah~..."
Turning his head, Hachiman's gaze fell upon Erina, who had just taken a bite, now adorned with a rosy blush on her cheeks.
Her eyes closed tightly, and her legs shifted ever so slightly, as if she were experiencing an immensely pleasurable sensation.
"Oh, this..."
Witnessing her reaction, Hachiman glanced at the Lobster Thermidor he had meticulously crafted, an inkling of suspicion tugging at his mind. If he hadn't prepared it himself, he might have questioned whether there was something extraordinary in its composition.
Hachiman's mind raced with a mix of bewilderment and intrigue as he observed Erina's unexpected reaction.
"Officer, please believe me, I'm innocent," he silently pleaded to himself.
While he was well aware of Erina's infamous reputation as the "God Tongue" and her heightened sensitivity to exquisite flavors, this level of arousal and response surpassed anything he had ever encountered.
"Ahh~... Mmm~... Oh~..."
The seductive murmurs that escaped from Erina's enticing red lips seemed to echo in Hachiman's ears, beckoning him closer. The blush on her fair complexion deepened, rendering her even more captivating.
Her ample bosom gently rose and fell in time with her heightened breath, while her slender yet shapely thighs subtly shifted, as if seeking to alleviate an increasing tension within her.
The air surrounding Erina seemed to be permeated with an ethereal aura, tinged with a delicate shade of pink, intensifying the already sensual atmosphere.
Hachiman found himself becoming slightly parched as his gaze remained transfixed on Erina's mesmerizing display.
Fortunately, General Senzaemon Nakiri and the other two guests were completely absorbed in the delectable dishes before them, oblivious to Erina's momentary lapse into ecstasy.
Erina, having only taken a single bite, swiftly regained her composure, yet her face still burned with lingering embarrassment. Catching Hachiman's curious gaze, she directed an annoyed and embarrassed glare at him, a mix of frustration and vulnerability reflecting in her moistened eyes.
In her attempt to appear intimidating, there was an unexpected allure to her expression, a unique blend of defiance and charm that made Hachiman's heart skip a beat.
As the other guests finished the last bite of their dishes, General Senzaemon Nakiri couldn't help but express his admiration for Hachiman's cooking skills.
"I never expected young Hachiman to create three such exquisite dishes. I wonder if you have ever considered studying at Totsuki Culinary Academy," he remarked, with an air of wonderment in his voice.
Hachiman's culinary proficiency had clearly caught the General's attention, and he saw great potential in the young man's cooking abilities.
With his current level of expertise, Hachiman could easily secure a coveted spot at Totsuki Culinary Academy and even give the Elite Ten a run for their money.
However, Hachiman shook his head in response to the invitation.
"Thank you for the offer, General Nakiri, but culinary arts, much like kendo, is merely a personal interest of mine," he replied calmly.
Another personal interest, it was acceptable with kendo, but now even culinary arts? Did this guy have any other undisclosed personal interests?
Hearing this, Erina rolled her eyes. If your culinary skills are considered a personal interest, then what do you call my daily efforts?
Even when she tasted Hachiman's Lobster Thermidor dish, Erina knew she couldn't match his culinary finesse and was bound to lose the competition.
Senzaemon Nakiri expressed his regret upon hearing Hachiman's refusal. "That's a shame," he sighed. "If you ever change your mind, know that you can find me anytime. With your culinary skills, you could truly make a name for yourself at Totsuki."
Hachiman nodded in appreciation. "Thank you for your kind offer, General Nakiri. If I ever have such thoughts in the future, I'll be sure to reach out to you. I wouldn't want to disrespect your generosity."
Senzaemon Nakiri chuckled. "Great, I look forward to that day."
"Now, let's move on to the announcement of the competition's result," Senzaemon Nakiri declared.
"Erina, it's your loss!"
Erina, having already anticipated her loss, replied to her grandfather with a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I understand, Grandpa."
Hachiman, noticing Erina's visible upset, decided to lift her spirits. "Actually, my victory in this competition was thanks to Miss Erina's help."
Erina raised an eyebrow in confusion. "My help?" she questioned, genuinely puzzled by Hachiman's remark.
Hachiman leaned in closer and whispered playfully in Erina's ear, subtly teasing her with a mischievous smile.
Upon hearing his whispered words, Erina's eyes widened, and she immediately shot Hachiman a glare in a mock-pouting manner.
"You're just taking advantage of me," Erina retorted, sensing Hachiman's teasing.
Hachiman couldn't help but smile at Erina's playful banter. "I'd love to take advantage of you, but I haven't had the chance yet," he thought playfully to himself, admiring Erina's alluring figure.
"Alright, Erina, let's put the competition behind us. Even without your culinary expertise, Hachiman's dishes surpassed yours in flavor," General Senzaemon Nakiri interrupted.
Erina nodded in understanding. "I agree, Grandpa. Mr. Hikigaya's dishes were superior in taste," she admitted.
Hachiman sensed her sulking and took it upon himself to lift her spirits. "Don't be upset, Miss Erina. Let me make it up to you," he offered.
"How would you do that?" Erina asked curiously, intrigued by Hachiman's proposal.
"Miss Erina's meal lacked a dessert course, so let me remedy that," Hachiman said, his lips curling up in a friendly smile.
Hachiman left the dining room momentarily and returned with a beautifully presented Tiramisu dessert. He had meticulously crafted the layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, expertly finished off with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
As he presented the Tiramisu to his guests, Erina, Saeko, Hisako, and General Senzaemon Nakiri couldn't help but appreciate its artful arrangement.
Hachiman simply smiled and humbly said, "I hope you all enjoy it. Please, help yourselves."
Each one of them took a portion of the Tiramisu and savored its perfect blend of flavors. The coffee's bitterness and sweetness of the creamy layers created an explosion of tastes that impressed everyone.
"This Tiramisu is divine. Hachiman, you've outdone yourself," Saeko exclaimed, sighing contentedly.
Hisako agreed, nodding her head. "Indeed, it's a delightful conclusion to the meal."
General Senzaemon Nakiri also enjoyed the dessert, reflecting its expert culinary output. "Young Hachiman, your talent in culinary arts extends to both savory and sweet dishes."
Initially skeptical of Hachiman's culinary skills, Erina found herself thoroughly impressed by the excellence of his Tiramisu and reluctantly admitted, "I must acknowledge that your Tiramisu is exceptional, Mr. Hikigaya."
As they enjoyed the Tiramisu and each other's company, it proved to be a satisfying conclusion to the culinary showdown.
Hachiman had not only demonstrated his culinary mastery, but also earned the respect and admiration of the Nakiri family, a clan famed for their exceptional taste buds.
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