Chapter 622: Yuuki Kyouko's Approval, Yuuki Kyouko's Surprise
After Asuna and Yuuki Kyouko settled into their seats, the older woman immediately began a quiet, careful appraisal of the restaurant. Her sharp gaze swept over the polished surfaces and the tasteful decor. The more she observed, the more the tension in her shoulders eased. It was immaculate—cleaner and far more elegant than many five-star hotel dining rooms she frequented. But the true deciding factor was the atmosphere.
A chef's cuisine relied on color, aroma, and taste, but a restaurant's survival depended on its interior and ambiance. Those were merely the hardware. The soul of an establishment was its unique atmosphere. Many high-end venues, no matter how lavishly funded, felt sterile and devoid of life. This little shop, however, wrapped its patrons in a blanket of warmth and tranquility. It was undeniably comfortable.
Kyouko gave a subtle, approving nod. "Hmm. A very fine establishment."
Hearing her mother's evaluation, Asuna's face lit up with a brilliant smile. She knew better than anyone how relentlessly her mother pursued 'elite' standards. Earning Yuuki Kyouko's genuine praise was a monumental task.
Kyouko's attention naturally shifted to the other patrons in the dining room. Aside from the two men who had just been present—Saitama and Genos—the room was entirely occupied by women. Each one was strikingly beautiful, radiating youth and elegance.
Yet, her honed instincts as an elite businesswoman flared to life. None of the women sitting around them were ordinary. The air they carried, the subtle grace in their posture, the quiet confidence in their eyes—it was the distinct aura of high-ranking individuals who commanded authority.
Courage let out a soft breath of relief, offering a warm smile. "Asuna, I was beginning to think you weren't coming tonight."
"Good evening, Sister Courage," Asuna replied brightly. "Of course I'd come. It's rare for my mother to have free time."
Kyouko was a master of the professional, polite smile, a mask she wore flawlessly in high society. But as she looked at the woman greeting her daughter, the practiced curve of her lips softened into something far more genuine. "Asuna, this must be the WGO Executive Officer you mentioned."
Asuna nodded.
"I am Asuna's mother, Yuuki Kyouko," she introduced herself with a graceful inclination of her head.
Courage returned the gesture. "I'm Courage, a First-Class Executive Officer of the WGO. These two are Decora and Anne, also First-Class Officers. And this one, who is currently entirely focused on stuffing her face, is Rantabi, a Second-Class Officer."
Rantabi nearly choked on her food, glaring up indignantly. "Courage! I'm not just eating!"
Kyouko's mind raced. Three First-Class Executive Officers of the World Gourmet Organization sitting at a single table was already a staggering revelation. But Courage wasn't finished.
Gesturing to the regal woman seated nearby, Courage continued, "And this is Lady Nakiri Mana, the WGO's sole Special Executive Officer."
"Good evening, Ms. Yuuki," Mana greeted, her voice smooth and cultured. "Asuna is a cherished regular here."
Kyouko stared blankly at the woman, her usual composure slipping for a fraction of a second. This was a true VIP. Even the most prestigious luxury hotels in the world couldn't secure Lady Mana for a private tasting, yet here she was, sitting casually in this unassuming restaurant.
Before Kyouko could fully process the shock, a woman with piercing eyes and an obvious aura of dominance spoke up. "I am Lucifer, the president of my own enterprise. These women in formal attire are my employees."
Kyouko quickly regained her bearings, offering a polite nod. "Ms. Lucifer is truly young and accomplished. May I ask what industry your company operates in?"
Courage chuckled softly. "Lucifer's enterprise is quite formidable. They handle transportation, accommodation, and various other ventures."
Kyouko nodded in understanding. A logistics and hospitality magnate, perhaps. It only solidified her assessment that no one in this room was simple. Still, a lingering question remained. "Ms. Lucifer, what brings all of you here tonight?"
Lucifer offered a slow, knowing smile. "We live here."
"Eh?" Kyouko blinked. "So you all are..."
Ichihara Yuko leaned in, a lazy, amused smile playing on her lips. "That's right. Though Erina and her group are a different story. They are from Totsuki Culinary Academy, here for their practical training. Those three are members of the Elite Ten Council, and the other two are Erina's cousin and secretary."
Kyouko's eyes widened as she looked at the blonde girl. "Erina... The God Tongue, Nakiri Erina?"
Erina gave a polite, measured nod.
Mana smiled, a hint of maternal pride in her eyes. "As expected of Erina. Her reputation precedes her. Quite impressive."
"It's nothing..." Erina murmured, looking slightly away.
Kyouko looked between the two blondes, connecting the dots. "Nakiri Erina, Lady Nakiri Mana... are you two..."
"This is my mother... my aunt," Erina said calmly.
Kyouko nodded in realization. She didn't follow the culinary world's inner drama closely, only knowing the major names and titles, but putting faces to those names was a different matter entirely.
Momobami Kirari rested her chin on her hand, her icy blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "Why do I suddenly feel that the lineup at your table is rather outrageous?"
Yuko sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Save it, Kirari. You're the most outrageous one here."
Kyouko glanced at the silver-haired girl. Kirari simply smiled, an enigmatic curve of her lips. "Me? I'm just one of Shopkeeper Ren's women. I'm only here to enjoy a meal today."
Just as the words left Kirari's mouth, Ren approached the table, carrying a beautifully arranged fruit salad. He set it down gently between Asuna and Kyouko.
Kyouko looked up, slightly confused. "Mr. Ren, we haven't placed our order yet."
"This is a small complimentary appetizer while you wait," Ren explained, his tone calm and hospitable. "Kirari, your dishes will take a little longer. So, what would the two of you like this evening?"
Kyouko looked down at the vibrant, glistening fruit salad. In Japan, high-quality fruit was a luxury commodity. While her family could easily afford it, offering such a premium dish as a complimentary starter showed a level of sincerity and confidence that earned major points in her book.
"Asuna mentioned that your restaurant doesn't operate with a set menu," Kyouko said warmly. "She said you can prepare any dish as long as you have the ingredients. Is that correct?"
Ren nodded.
Kyouko thought for a moment, testing the waters. "Do you have bluefin tuna?"
"I do. One serving of bluefin tuna sashimi?"
"Yes. And also... Chateaubriand."
"Chateaubriand steak is available. How many servings?"
"Two servings, cooked medium-well. I'd also like one serving of grilled pork chops." Kyouko turned to her daughter. "Asuna, what would you like for your main course?"
"Huh? I... I'll have the tomato pasta, please," Asuna decided.
"Make that two tomato pastas," Kyouko added. "For drinks, I would like a glass of red wine. Asuna will have soda water, sugar-free."
Asuna nodded eagerly. She possessed a physique that easily gained weight, so she was carefully careful about her diet. Lean tuna and sugar-free soda were perfect choices to keep her calories in check while still enjoying the meal.
Ren noted the order with a faint smile of approval. "A very refined and health-conscious selection. Will you be requiring dessert?"
"No, it's too late in the evening for sweets. It wouldn't sit well," Kyouko replied smoothly. "What kind of red wines do you have available?"
"Whatever you wish to drink, we can provide."
Kyouko raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "Do you have Romanée-Conti?"
"I do. Just one glass?"
Kyouko chuckled softly, a rare moment of levity breaking through her strict demeanor. "I certainly can't afford to casually open a whole bottle of Conti for dinner."
Ren smiled, matching her tone. "It's just a bottle of Conti. I'm quite sure it wouldn't be a problem for you. Please wait a moment while I prepare your meal. If you need to use the restroom, it is right over there."
"Thank you."
Ren turned and headed back toward the kitchen. Kyouko watched him go, a look of quiet respect settling on her features. Bluefin tuna, Chateaubriand, Romanée-Conti—these were exceptionally expensive items, yet entirely within the world of high-society dining. Seeing Ren's completely relaxed, unbothered demeanor confirmed that he truly possessed these premium ingredients.
Shifting her attention back to the table, Kyouko looked at the complimentary fruit salad. She picked up a silver fork, elegantly speared a piece of fruit, and brought it to her lips.
'He really is a very thoughtful man...' she mused inwardly.
Her teeth sank into the fruit. The vibrant, explosive sweetness flooded her palate instantly.
Her eyes widened. 'Hmm? This taste...'
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