Five days later, within the venerable walls of a grand family estate, a few people sat together.
The Food Soul Competition. The event's organizer was none other than the pinnacle of the Japanese culinary world, the leader of the Japanese culinary elite, essentially the prestigious Nakiri family. The Nakiri family wielded immense influence in the Japanese culinary scene; they were not only revered as a culinary dynasty, but almost every head of the family served as the leader of the Japanese culinary world.
A Food Soul Competition organized by the Nakiri family held an undeniably esteemed position in the Japanese culinary world. Achieving a good ranking in the competition, or even just receiving a comment from a Nakiri family chef, could double the value of one's own restaurant. Even a simple, ordinary evaluation from the Nakiri family could make a restaurant quickly famous throughout Japan.
Winning the championship at the Food Soul Competition wouldn't just grant a special chef's certificate; it would also propel one to widespread fame in the Japanese culinary world, elevating them into the ranks of renowned masters. This is why, despite only having been held three times, so many chefs eagerly flocked to the Food Soul Competition.
Of course. If these chefs knew that the Food Soul Competition was merely an annual reconnaissance test conducted by the old man Nakiri to assess the overall skill level of Japanese chefs, who knows what they would think?
And Renz was only now realizing what level of prestigious family he had married into.
An elderly man, dressed in a simple, traditional white samurai outfit, sat cross-legged, making tea before him. There was an indescribable aura about him, a vitality that transcended his age. His hair was completely gray at the temples, yet it didn't give off a feeling of old age. Coupled with a scar over his right eye, he exuded an intimidating presence even when calm. This elder was peacefully playing with Haruki Nakiri, his son.
Renz had never fully grasped it before, thinking he had merely married into a well-established Japanese family with a good lineage. Who would have thought he'd directly marry into a true powerhouse? That's right. The elder before him, Senzaemon Nakiri, was a well-known figure even ten years ago. Even Renz, a professional esports player, recognized him. His status in the culinary world had long since transcended boundaries, his reputation far-reaching. As for Erina, it was normal for Renz not to know her; who has time to remember a famous person's granddaughter?
Holy cow. How did I manage to marry their cherished daughter? I must be too amazing! This is incredible. This situation... it's like a ladder grandmaster in a ranked game getting spawn-camped by a king, only to find out the king was actually the Demon Lord! Erina Nakiri's background is incredibly strong. The connections of such a prominent family can't be measured by money.
Although Renz was inwardly amazed by Erina's background, his expression remained unchanged.
"Grandpa, I might be troubling you these next few days. Rina and Haruki will likely need your care," Renz said, stroking Haruki's head.
Rina shyly hid behind Erina. She was a little afraid of her intimidating great-grandfather, but Haruki was different. Drooling slightly, he eagerly touched the teacup on the table. Erina never expected Renz to be so calm in front of her grandfather. Not only was he calm, but he also addressed her grandfather intimately without any pressure. She had been worried Renz might get stage fright. But seeing him, he wasn't just not scared, he even initiated conversation. He truly was something else.
"No problem," Senzaemon Nakiri said with a chuckle. "The little one is almost three, isn't he?"
"Rina will be four this year," Senzaemon Nakiri mused. "Time flies. You two have been married for seven years. Erina, if you're making a comeback in the culinary world this time, do you want to take over as the Totsuki Academy's Director?"
The Director of Totsuki? Erina was tempted for a moment. Ten years ago, one of her dreams was to succeed her grandfather as the Director of Totsuki Academy. However, in the very next second, Erina gave up on the idea. She was very strict with herself; the incompetent weren't fit for leadership. Although her "God's Tongue" made her more than capable in judging, her cooking skills were still at the level they were ten years ago, insufficient to take over as Totsuki Director. Taking that position now would only bring shame to the Nakiri family.
"I won't be taking over the Totsuki Director position," Erina said, her pretty face slightly falling.
"Is that so?" Senzaemon Nakiri said with a hint of regret. "Taking over as Totsuki Director is indeed quite busy, and it can easily disrupt family harmony."
"Yes, Haruki and Rina are still young and really need a mother's care," Erina said with a faint smile. She had originally considered taking the Totsuki Director position, but the difficulty in doing so with her current skills and the needs of her two young children forced Erina to abandon the thought.
Renz subtly glanced at Erina. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was a bit unwilling.
"Hahahaha, Erina is a good mother!" Senzaemon Nakiri laughed heartily. "It's rare for you to attend an event. Tomorrow, I'll accompany you."
Although the Food Soul Competition was organized by the Nakiri family, and Nakiri family members served as judges every year, "The Demon King of Cuisine," Senzaemon Nakiri, rarely appeared at such events. One reason was his advanced age, and another was his immensely high standing in the Japanese culinary world.
His presence would elevate the entire Food Soul Competition from an annual assessment of contemporary Japanese chefs to another level. The "Demon King of Cuisine's" critique was priceless. Countless cooking competitions had sought to invite Senzaemon Nakiri, only to be met with disdain. Even for the Food Soul Competition, which he founded, Senzaemon Nakiri rarely attended, only offering a few remarks. Senzaemon Nakiri's attendance for Erina's comeback as a judge for this Food Soul Competition was undoubtedly intended to build momentum for her return, showcasing his "doting" on his granddaughter.
"Um, Grandpa, should I attend tomorrow?" Renz asked, pointing to himself.
Senzaemon Nakiri pondered for a moment. "That's up to you. If you want to go, then go; if not, then don't. However, if you really want to attend, I can grant you the title of Nakiri Family Honorary Gourmet."
"But you must remember, you cannot casually give good reviews to others' dishes."
After all, this was a culinary competition, a celebration for some lesser-known chefs. For someone outside the culinary world to attend such an event could easily cause conflicts. To attend such an event, one also needed some connection to the culinary world. As for not being able to casually give good reviews, Renz understood that. As a gourmet, giving random good reviews would lower his own reputation. Moreover, Renz couldn't even distinguish good from bad, so giving random good reviews would undoubtedly damage the Nakiri family's reputation. He wouldn't mess around with something so detrimental to everyone.
And for this event, Renz would, of course, attend.
What unexpected interactions might arise from Renz's newfound status as an "honorary gourmet" at the Food Soul Competition, especially given his limited culinary discernment and the strict rules he's been given?
---Support with power stones