After these people arrived, they all looked at Senzaemon Nakiri curiously. They still did not know why they had been called here. Senzaemon did not rush to explain but first asked a servant to bring a stack of confidentiality agreements and distributed them to the group, including Hisako Arato.
"What I am going to say next is of great importance. Before that, you need to sign this confidentiality agreement."
"If you are willing to listen, just sign and stay. If you are not willing, I will not force you; just go back."
When these candidates heard this, they could not help but look at each other. But no matter how doubtful they were, they still picked up the agreements and examined the content carefully.
When they saw the last clause, stating that if the parties involved were found to have leaked information, the Nakiri family had the right to use all means to prevent further leaks—and that the parties involved would be responsible for any life or death consequences—they were not calm.
They knew such a clause would not be legally recognized. However, given the background of the Nakiri family, making a person disappear is not difficult in this world, and no evidence would be left behind. Even if people knew the Nakiri family was responsible, there was nothing they could do.
Thus, many candidates were intimidated. Once you sign and hear what Senzaemon says, you might not even know how you died. Even if they did not intend to leak news, what if they talked in their sleep? One girl from a vassal family, knowing she had such a problem, thought of this. She stood up and bowed to Senzaemon:
"I am sorry, Master Senzaemon. My situation may not be suitable for keeping secrets, so please allow me to withdraw. I am very sorry. I will work harder to make up for it next time."
Senzaemon smiled warmly and waved his hand: "It is okay. I said it is up to you whether to participate. You do not need to care too much. Instead, I am sorry for making you come all this way. It was a trouble for you."
"No trouble at all, it is as it should be."
The two exchanged a few more polite words, and the girl left. Then, five more people withdrew, apologizing politely to Senzaemon, and were let go. Looking at the remaining few, Senzaemon nodded with satisfaction. This was actually a small test of these people's attitude towards the Nakiri family.
Those who behaved well, like Hisako, did not hesitate; they were the first to sign. Then came Fuyumi Mizuhara and the other Totsuki graduates. They were decisive not just because of the Nakiri family's past support, but because they understood this was an opportunity. Although there were risks, it was a chance to enter the Nakiri inner circle.
And this was indeed the case. After passing this test, even if they were not selected this time, Senzaemon would not let them wander. Instead, they would be kept close to bind their interests. They would be stabilized so they could be called upon immediately when needed. Letting them wander might lead to information leaks.
Their willingness to follow the Nakiri family was true. Senzaemon did not care about other details; it was better for them to have a purpose, making it easier to win them over and have them work for the family with all their heart.
Senzaemon collected the signed agreements and explained the reason for the meeting. He did not give full details about Dimensional City yet. He only mentioned a place that produced rare ingredients and was suitable for practicing cooking. Alice Nakiri was working there to sharpen her skills and obtain those ingredients.
Alice had secured more slots for studying there. Due to personnel requirements, he had to choose from them. He explained that going there was almost equivalent to selling oneself. They would lose the freedom to choose their affiliation. If they had the opportunity in the future, they could visit their family occasionally, like Alice.
"This place is the key to the future development of the Nakiri family. I hope you consider it carefully before deciding."
This was the final test. He did not explain the benefits, yet they were willing to obey. If they were willing to go to a place where they would "sell themselves," their loyalty was beyond doubt. Even for gratitude, they would bring benefits to the Nakiri family.
However, the candidates were silent after the introduction. Even Hisako, who signed the fastest, hesitated. It was not a lack of loyalty; she was dedicated to Erina Nakiri. But she feared that if she "sold herself" to this other camp, she could no longer follow Erina and share her burdens.
She would not be able to return to her original position and might even be replaced! The thought made Hisako shudder. No! She did not want that! In an instant, she decided to retreat and raised her hand:
"I give up. I cannot leave Miss Erina."
"That is understandable." Senzaemon was not harsh toward Hisako. Her refusal out of loyalty to his granddaughter actually satisfied him. Erina having someone so loyal was a good thing. Erina was moved by Hisako's dedication. However, due to the presence of outsiders, she only looked at Hisako deeply, remembering this in her heart.
Following Hisako, the others expressed their decisions. To the surprise of Alice, Erina, and Hisako, the others were all willing to go! They were too immature to see through the strategy. Senzaemon mentioned no benefits, but he revealed that Alice Nakiri was already there!
If his own granddaughter was handed over, there had to be something incredible involved. Also, summoning people closely related to the Nakiri family suggested the place was highly valuable. Graduates like Sonoka Kikuchi decided to gamble. They did not take "selling themselves" literally in a physical sense. In this age, they thought it just meant absolute loyalty. They figured if there was a problem, they could just run. Their innocent thoughts were quite cute.
Minami Rika guessed their thoughts and found it amusing but said nothing. Dimensional City was so good that this was hardly "cheating" them. If this was a cheat, many would beg for it.
"Very well then," Senzaemon nodded. He did not mind their small motives. Once they reached Dimensional City, they would be grateful. He looked at Alice Nakiri and Minami Rika.
"Alice, Miss Minami, they have voluntarily agreed to join. Please choose."
The candidates looked at Alice and Minami Rika. Dimensional City? What kind of place was that? Minami Rika, who had been watching silently, spoke up. She waved her hand and said: "Don't mind me. I was just pulled in as Alice's bodyguard and cannot cook. Let Alice choose."
Senzaemon nodded to Alice. "Shall I choose? All right." Alice was taken aback but did not refuse. Choosing her own helpers was a good thing. She smiled at the candidates: "Then please introduce yourselves, your cooking skills, and your specialties."
"Hehe, let me go first! My name is Hinako Inui, 80th graduate of Totsuki Academy, formerly second seat of the Council of Ten!" Hinako stood up energetically. "My specialty is..."
"Fuyumi Mizuhara, 79th graduate..."
"Sonoka Kikuchi, 89th graduate..."
They introduced their resumes, and Senzaemon handed Alice their files. Alice found Hinako, Fuyumi, and Sonoka most outstanding. The first two ran their own restaurants and were famous. Their skills and experience were the strongest. Sonoka Kikuchi was a rising star with strong skills but less experience.
However, Sonoka was young! That was her biggest competitive edge. The others were a full generation older than Alice. Alice worried she could not manage the older two and might be sidelined. She just wanted someone to take over her work so she could rest, not someone to replace her! If she lost her job, she would have no money for souvenirs.
Sonoka Kikuchi was a better choice. They were close in age and Sonoka's personality was submissive and easy to manage. So, Sonoka was the first choice. But Alice did not want to give up on Hinako Inui and Fuyumi Mizuhara either. They were very strong. If she took them back, she could learn from them.
Seeing her struggle, Minami Rika guessed her thoughts and smiled: "Don't worry about your choice; the door authority is in your hands." Alice immediately realized she was the only one in this world who could open the Dimensional Door. Why be afraid?
Once they were in Dimensional City, Hinako and the others could not return to the Shokugeki world without Alice or someone else from the city. With such power, she did not need to fear them. If they rebelled, she could just throw them back!
Alice smiled at Hinako and Fuyumi with a hint of mischief. She almost wanted them to try to take her kitchen power so she could... Hehe! Hinako and Fuyumi sensed her odd intentions and became wary. They decided to be careful around this weird girl in the future.
"I have decided. I choose Sonoka Kikuchi, Hinako Inui, and Fuyumi Mizuhara..." Alice stopped and looked at Minami Rika. "I selected one extra; is that okay?"
Minami Rika laughed. "Riveria did not set a limit. Recruit as many as you need."
"Ah... I remembered incorrectly." Alice realized her mistake. Minami Rika added: "More should be fine. Dimensional City's population will increase today. Recruiting more means we are prepared. We can afford to support them."
"Then it is settled. Congratulations to you three." Alice announced the result. Those not selected clapped along with the atmosphere. The chosen three felt a bit confused; it was such a hasty choice!
"Very well, I will handle the rest," Senzaemon said, taking away those not selected to comfort and stabilize them. Only Alice, Minami Rika, Erina, and Hisako remained with the three chosen girls.
"Do we need to leave?" Erina asked, assuming a secret was about to be revealed. Hisako was also not meant to hear certain things.
"No need. Just explain once they are back. It is less likely secrets will leak." Alice waved her hand. She looked at Minami Rika. "Sister Rika, how much time is left?"
Minami Rika checked her watch. "It is 3:30. Less than an hour and a half. Do you want to wait?" She meant, did Alice want to spend more time with her family?
Alice Nakiri shook her head. "No, I will have more time in a few days. I will come back then. No need to rush now." Once the new girls were trained, she could have a real holiday. And with them in Dimensional City, she would not have to worry about the time difference or needing an escort. Minami Rika shrugged.