On the field, everyone's expressions turned solemn. As Megumi Tadokoro's 20 passing slots were about to be completely filled, the faces of chefs whose dishes were slower to prepare gradually worsened. Previously, everyone had aimed for the God's Tongue. Now, everyone wanted to avoid the God's Tongue.
The pressure was indescribable; she could effortlessly point out the flaws in any dish, leaving no room for rebuttal. Aside from the very first chef, whose dish was entirely flawed, several other chefs—quite famous in niche circles—also successively fell at Erina Nakiri's hand. Not only did they fall, but they did so convinced. In some areas of her critique, Erina's insight was exceptionally unique, greatly benefiting these chefs.
However, many people came to the competition hoping to advance to the next round. Since strong contenders had fallen at Erina's hand, those who believed themselves less skilled were even more determined to avoid her. As the slots from Megumi Tadokoro and Ikumi Mito were taken one by one, the chefs who hadn't yet presented their dishes faced evaluation from Gin Dojima and Erina. The atmosphere in the preliminary round grew anxious.
"Megumi Tadokoro's passing slots are full!" Hisako Arato's voice rang in everyone's ears. Within a few minutes, "Ikumi Mito's passing slots are full."
With the two more lenient judges having filled their slots, the remaining contestants could only brace themselves and present their dishes to the other two "Great Demon Lords."
Erina: 0 passes, 20 slots remaining.
Gin Dojima: 2 passes, 18 slots remaining.
Erina wouldn't lower her standards. To do so would be irresponsible to the previously evaluated contestants. She would rather let all her slots go unused than casually give away opportunities.
The photographers' cameras continuously focused on Erina. Each shake of her head deepened the silence in the arena. The photographers were skilled at capturing shots, also focusing on the contestants, whose expressions were mostly distressed and helpless. However, due to the malicious intent of some unknown photographer or director, after showcasing both Erina and the preliminary contestants, the camera shifted to Renz's smiling face in the audience, as he chatted happily with his children.
It's important to remember that the large screen in the center of the venue displayed the footage chosen by the photographer and director. This footage was not only seen by the live stream audience but also by the contestants on the field, including the judges and other staff. Renz noticed his face suddenly appear on the big screen. As a professional player who had competed in world tournaments and appeared on large stages, he smiled and waved.
Rina made a silly face at the camera. The next second, everyone realized something. Erina's demands for cooking were so high, and she typically appeared to be someone with very high standards for herself. Whether it was her appearance, ability, or even talent, Erina was undeniably the chosen one in the culinary world. In other words, it was very difficult for someone with talent to overshadow her. Erina was the epitome of a strong woman. Not only was she capable, talented, from a good family, and beautiful, but how on earth did this person named Renz Nakiri manage to live harmoniously with her?
Not only did they live harmoniously, but he also managed to have a son and a daughter with such an astonishingly talented culinary goddess? If he had no ability, wouldn't that seem a bit unreasonable? To be able to be on par with Erina, or even surpass her, that would be truly astonishing. It was too hard to imagine.
Wait a moment. At this point, everyone noticed another detail. Why was there a woman sitting next to Erina's husband? Oh. That person seemed to be Erina's cousin, also a very famous chef in the culinary world. No problem then.
At the judges' table,
"Hisako, tell him to bring me a bottle of mineral water," Erina said with a grim expression.
"Wouldn't it be easier if I just brought you a bottle of mineral water?" Hisako Arato asked in surprise. Erina didn't say anything else, but the atmosphere felt off. Overall, she was displeased. Here she was, judging, tasting these mediocre dishes, dealing with so many people's stares, and even earlier, she had been trying to protect Renz's image, ensuring he wasn't bullied or scorned by others. But what about him? He said he was going to the audience to take care of the children, yet he was there chatting and laughing with her cousin, Alice Nakiri.
Even if they were a fake couple, shouldn't there be at least some basic loyalty? His wife was working, and he went off to talk to other women, even if that woman was her cousin—it was unacceptable! Erina's anger flared.
Erina remained silent but had a belly full of resentment. Hisako Arato dutifully found a staff member and asked them to relay the message. Renz, still in the audience, was also a bit confused. He had just returned to the audience to care for the children, and hadn't he gone there to avoid bothering Erina? Why was Erina calling him back now?
Although he couldn't understand Erina's thought process, Renz still went down with a bottle of mineral water. From the audience back to the venue, then to the judges' table, Renz handed over the water.
"Erina, what's wrong? Why did you suddenly call me back?"
"Did you have fun chatting with Alice?" Erina uncapped the mineral water, gargled, and discreetly spit into a nearby trash can, her words pointed.
"It was quite fun, actually. Alice has a wealth of knowledge and told me many interesting little rumors about the culinary world," Renz said casually, recalling their conversation in the audience.
The atmosphere instantly grew cold.
"Do you have more fun chatting with her, or with me?" Erina asked nonchalantly.
This... wasn't this a death trap question?
"It's definitely more fun chatting with you!" Renz blurted out without thinking.
Big tsundere, you're poisoned! You can even get jealous about this? Your possessiveness, honestly, is a bit outrageous. Anyone with decent moral character knows what to do and what not to do.
Damn it. Erina is not just a tsundere; she's also a jealousy queen. She can get jealous over things that clearly aren't related. Your thought process is even more brilliant than mine.
From a distance, Hisako Arato came back to them from the center of the examination hall. "Bang, bang—"
Hisako Arato gently tapped on the table. "I say, you two, can you quiet down with your whispers of affection? The contestants still have a competition to fight," Hisako Arato said expressionlessly. "No matter how affectionate you are, you should consider the occasion."
At this, Erina and Renz suddenly felt countless gazes piercing them like sharp swords.
Oh no. We chatted too much without realizing, and forgot this was a live broadcast!
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter