Erina Nakiri also showed her prowess in this place, defeating various strong opponents. And, because of her romantic relationship with Hoshino Sora, they were affectionately called "Gourmet Duo" by the indigenous people.
On their last day of departure, Merchant Xingchen caught a huge fish weighing about a hundred pounds with a fishing rod by the sea. According to local villagers, this was a relatively rare fresh fish, and one this large had not been caught in recent years.
This kind of fish can be used to make very high-grade "Umami Essence," which is the so-called enhanced MSG. This is a specialty of Umami Coast, and its umami-enhancing effect is ten times that of ordinary MSG!
With Merchant Xingchen's consent, Hoshino Sora sold this fresh fish for a total of three thousand gold coins and received several packets of "Umami Essence" as gifts from the indigenous people. After that, the group embarked on their journey again.
After several days of camping in the mountains, the three of them arrived in Baiwei City. After tasting the delicacies at the restaurant, they found a closed restaurant that was looking for someone to take over and bought it.
On this day, Hoshino Sora placed a standing sign at the entrance.
"Baiwei City's No. 1 Restaurant, holding a challenge for three days. Those who dare, come and fight! The winner will receive a kitchen utensil, while the loser must pay a kitchen utensil as a stake. Not just any cat or dog can challenge us."
On the same day, Baiwei City caused a huge stir. Hoshino Sora, who aggressively challenged the strong, became a topic of discussion among everyone.
No one looked down on him; on the contrary, they admired his courage immensely. To dare to use kitchen utensils as a stake to challenge the heroes of the world and make such bold statements, just thinking about it made one's blood boil!
However, due to the preciousness of kitchen utensils, no one challenged him from the first day until sunset.
"Master, are they afraid of you? A whole day has passed and no one has come, even with such arrogant words, and so many people saw it. Master is amazing!"
Putting away the standing sign at the restaurant entrance, Xingye Restaurant closed on time.
Inside the restaurant, Merchant Xingchen looked at Hoshino Sora with adoration. The sign had been displayed outside for a whole day, and over a thousand passersby had seen it, yet no one dared to challenge him.
"After all, it's the first day. The first day is mainly about building a reputation. Now, there should be quite a few people in the city who have noticed us, but there aren't many people who own kitchen utensils, so we need to wait.
It's about casting a long line to catch a big fish."
Hoshino Sora said maturely. Even the cheapest kitchen utensil costs ten thousand gold coins. Only disciples of major forces can own them, and only those with extremely strong power can protect them. The number of people who meet the conditions is not many.
"To gain kitchen utensils while boosting the restaurant's reputation, I can't believe you thought of such a devious method.
However, this method will only attract big fish. Be careful not to get swallowed by them. Without the legendary kitchen utensils, you can only teleport back through the Gourmet Manor."
Looking at the confident Hoshino Sora, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but remind him.
During this time, as they traveled across the Gourmet Continent, they encountered many impressive chefs. One young man in his twenties left a deep impression on her; he almost defeated Hoshino Sora.
Although Hoshino Sora ultimately won by a single move, that match was truly spectacular, filled with a sense of urgency. Fortunately, he emerged victorious, and he and that young man also became good friends.
"If I don't even have the belief that I'll win, I'll most likely lose terribly in this match. Don't worry, just watch my performance when the time comes."
Hoshino Sora smiled nonchalantly and then walked to the window.
The restaurant had two floors. The first floor was for normal restaurant operations, while the second floor served as their living quarters. Through the window, Hoshino Sora looked up at the moon in the sky.
If all went well, they would be able to conclude this journey in a few days. Next time they came, they might be able to enter and exit freely. This period had kept him quite busy.
"Mm, get some rest early."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's confident words, Erina Nakiri did not refute him and gently nodded. She then walked over to the bed, and Hoshino Sora followed her.
As for Merchant Xingchen? This little girl clearly had her own bed, but she insisted on squeezing in with the two of them. It was a very willful request, but neither Hoshino Sora nor Erina Nakiri refused.
It was probably out of affection for the young girl.
"Mmm, Sister Erina, Master, I love you both..."
Soon, the little girl, who had been busy all day, murmured in her sleep and drifted off to dreamland. Hoshino Sora and Erina Nakiri exchanged a smile at the sight, then closed their eyes as well.
In the middle of the night, neither of them could sleep, tossing and turning in bed.
"It's not good behavior to touch a girl when there's a child present, Hoshino-kun."
Suddenly, Erina Nakiri in the darkness opened her eyes, her cheeks flushed. She gave Hoshino Sora, who was not far away, a chiding look, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.
"It's fine, Xingchen is already asleep."
Hoshino Sora chuckled, his hands becoming increasingly restless, causing Erina Nakiri's cheeks to flush crimson. Her body trembled slightly, especially when her peripheral vision caught sight of Merchant Xingchen, who had a serene smile on her face.
The little girl's eyelids twitched, seeming as if she was about to wake up, but ultimately, she settled back into peaceful sleep. This also made Erina Nakiri sigh in relief, while simultaneously glaring at Hoshino Sora with even greater displeasure.
"It's all your fault for waking her up."
Although she didn't speak aloud, Hoshino Sora still understood her meaning from her lip movements.
"But she's not awake yet."
Hoshino Sora also didn't speak, responding with his lip movements, the amusement in his eyes obvious. Then he suddenly moved his hand, and Erina Nakiri immediately gasped.
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