"Wait, Megumi, you didn't pass the assessment?!"
At the dinner table, Okabe's voice was filled with shock as he looked at Megumi Tadokoro, who had her head lowered, at a loss for words.
"I… I'm sorry, Okabe-kun. I've embarrassed you all."
Megumi Tadokoro bit her lip, apologizing quietly to Okabe and the others.
If it weren't for the kind people at Polaris Dormitory who didn't mind that she hadn't passed the entrance trial, she wouldn't even have the right to be here, let alone sit down to eat.
"You don't need to apologize. Failing the assessment isn't a big deal. It just means you haven't accumulated enough experience yet. All you have to do is make up for what you're lacking."
Seeing Megumi Tadokoro staring down at the rice in her bowl, looking as if she were about to cry, Okabe suddenly realized that his shocked reaction had hurt her.
Although the Polaris Dormitory assessment was very easy for them, it was a bit difficult for Megumi Tadokoro, who grew up in a small port town and whose only cooking experience came from helping out at home when things got busy.
She had yet to absorb the nourishment from Tōtsuki and could only be considered a tender seedling. Her approach to cooking was still by the book.
"It was pretty strict. I almost didn't pass just now. The feeling of waiting for the evaluation was even more stressful than when that online food critic came to my family's diner and my dad made me the head chef. So don't be too discouraged. If you can't do it today, there's always tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after. As long as you keep trying, you'll pass one day."
Soma Yukihira's voice chimed in.
However, because he wasn't good with words, his attempt at comforting her was even more clumsy.
His few dry words failed to console Megumi Tadokoro. Instead, they seemed to add another layer of gloom to her heart, making her sigh and feel even more downcast.
Thinking about it, it seemed she was the only new student who hadn't passed the Polaris Dormitory's skill test.
Because she had passed the entrance exam so smoothly a while ago, she had gotten a bit carried away, which made her feel incredibly dejected when Fumio Daimidō judged her as unqualified.
"It's okay. Starting tomorrow, I'll give you special training until you pass the assessment. Don't think of it as such a big deal. It's just a skill trial. We'll take our time."
Okabe reached out and gently patted Megumi Tadokoro's head, his voice soft, telling her not to take it so seriously.
"How could I do that? It would be too much trouble for you!"
As Okabe finished speaking, Megumi Tadokoro immediately looked up with an uncomfortable expression—the distinct shyness of someone with low self-esteem when they have to trouble others.
She truly felt from the bottom of her heart that it was shameless for Okabe to waste his time helping her identify her shortcomings. He had no obligation to help her like this…
"It's no trouble at all. Training you will also help me discover my own problems. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"But…"
"Don't refuse anymore. It's more charming to accept gracefully at times like this."
Seeing Megumi Tadokoro's hesitation, Okabe made the decision for her in a very firm manner.
"This is great…"
A voice echoed in Megumi Tadokoro's heart.
"Okabe-kun doesn't look down on me. He doesn't think I'm a burden. He's willing to help me…"
This realization was like a stone tossed into a lake, creating ripples of gratitude, shame, and faint hope in her heart.
She couldn't help but sneak a quick glance at Okabe, who had a faint smile on his face.
There wasn't a hint of impatience on his face. His eyes were serious, even conveying a sense of 'it's settled' as if it were a matter of course.
At this moment, his overbearing decisiveness didn't feel annoying at all. Instead, it became the pillar supporting her crumbling self-esteem.
"Thank you, Okabe-kun."
Megumi Tadokoro said from the bottom of her heart.
"That sounds pretty interesting. Count me in too, Oka—"
On the other side, Soma Yukihira couldn't help but raise his hand after hearing their conversation.
As a fellow dorm member, he wanted to help his housemate if he could, and besides, he could exchange ideas with Okabe.
The Golden Fried Rice that Okabe had made for the skill trial was still fresh in his memory.
"Me too. Megumi's beef brisket and tomato stew was judged as being monotonous and lacking character. I think I can provide some direction for her training."
Hisako Arato also raised her hand, giving Megumi Tadokoro a reassuring look as she spoke.
"When you want someone to taste-test, you can come to me. I'll give you the most impartial advice."
Erina Nakiri's voice rang out. Although it was a gesture of concern, it was tinged with a thick layer of tsundere pride, and she deliberately turned her head away when the others looked at her.
"Even though you haven't been admitted to the dorm, as the assessment location, you can still use the Polaris Dormitory's kitchen. Don't go around saying this old lady is unreasonable, okay?"
Carrying out the freshly cooked braised fish, Fumio Daimidō looked at Megumi Tadokoro and teased.
"Everyone…"
Looking at the concerned faces around her, Megumi Tadokoro's heart felt warm. She bit her lip, not knowing what to say.
"I will work hard to pass the assessment and become your dorm mate sooner or later!"
Hearing Megumi Tadokoro's words, everyone at the dinner table broke into happy smiles.
"Since Megumi hasn't passed the assessment yet, let's postpone the welcome party until after she does."
"I have no objection."
"Me neither."
One after another, they all agreed, ultimately deciding to postpone the welcome party until Megumi Tadokoro passed. After all, it wouldn't be right to leave her out.
"There are still some students who haven't arrived yet. You can wait for them and do it together. It should be in the next few days."
"There are still students who haven't come?"
Fumio Daimidō's words surprised everyone present.
"Yes. Since there was no mention of an assessment, most people would come the next day fully prepared. It's rare to have a group as reckless as you all."
Hearing the surprised reactions from Okabe's group, Fumio Daimidō nodded slightly.
"…"
Hearing Fumio Daimidō's words, the group led by Okabe fell silent.
They wanted to argue, but they couldn't find any grounds for it.
"Also, you have a second-year junior high senpai who is currently out doing research. You'll probably have to wait a while to meet him."
Rindo Kobayashi said as she happily shoveled rice into her mouth, her face showing the blissful expression she only had when eating delicious food.
"A second-year junior high senpai?"
Hisako Arato asked with a curious expression.
"He's a renowned genius from the Isshiki family."
Sonoka Kikuchi nodded and said.
"A genius from the Isshiki family? I see. The Isshiki family is a culinary dynasty from the Kansai region. In the Japanese culinary world, there's a saying: 'East Kinokuni, West Isshiki.' They are a true culinary powerhouse. If he's considered a genius even by the Isshiki family, this senpai must be very skilled."
Hearing Sonoka Kikuchi's introduction, Erina Nakiri stroked her chin and began to analyze.
"...I really hate these clannish aristocrats in the culinary world, hoarding all the resources for themselves."
Taki Kakizaki put down her soup bowl and suddenly interjected. Then, as if remembering something unpleasant, a clear look of dissatisfaction appeared on her face.
"The culinary world isn't a place that runs on seniority. Even if you're born into a famous family, you still have to rely on your cooking to earn the status you want."
Hearing Taki Kakizaki's sudden remark, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but retort.
Coming from a renowned culinary family certainly brings some advantages, but to gain a significant position in the culinary world, it ultimately comes down to the chef's own efforts.
After all, although a renowned culinary family can provide abundant educational resources, if the person themselves has no desire to learn, or if their talent is limited, they can't succeed no matter how many resources are given to them.
It can only be said that it gives them a higher platform, raising a person's baseline as a chef.
"You're right, but it's a fact that people from good backgrounds occupy a large amount of resources. Ordinary people have to work much harder to surpass them."
Taki Kakizaki's voice suddenly rose a few notches.
"But if resources aren't supported by matching talent, they are ultimately just a tower of sand."
"Just like this braised fish—the heat, the ingredients, the timing—none can be lacking. Auntie Fumio's skill isn't determined simply by her title as the 'Polaris Dormitory Manager'."
Looking at the agitated Taki Kakizaki, Okabe calmly joined the conversation. As he spoke, he picked up a piece of perfectly braised fish and put it in his mouth, savoring it.
"Besides, the fruits of my labor benefiting my descendants is a very fair thing in itself. That is the meaning of carrying on the family line."
There was one more thing Okabe didn't say: the essence of envying the rich is actually hating one's own elders, resenting them for not providing a privileged environment.
However, the truth is that their families have already given them the best they could. The root of the problem is an insatiable greed.
Contentment brings happiness. Very few people can truly achieve this, but those who do live very happily.
"Indeed, Auntie Fumio's skills have improved again. When the fish enters your mouth, the umami of the sauce explodes in an instant! The outer layer is slightly browned and crispy, while the inside remains incredibly tender and smooth! It's amazing!"
As Rindo Kobayashi finished speaking, the subtle tension at the table eased.
Taki Kakizaki pouted and didn't argue further, just silently picking up a piece of fish with her chopsticks, which was her way of tacitly agreeing with Okabe and the others.
After that, they moved on to a new topic.
Half an hour later.
Everyone had eaten their fill.
"I'll help with the dishes."
Since she hadn't been able to help with the cooking earlier, Megumi Tadokoro now volunteered to help Fumio Daimidō with the dishes in the kitchen.
"Helping me won't make me go easy on you during the assessment, you know."
Looking at Megumi Tadokoro who had volunteered, Fumio Daimidō said half-jokingly.
"I don't need you to! I'll get in with my own skills!"
Facing the teasing, Megumi Tadokoro didn't seem flustered. Instead, she spoke with a serious expression.
"Good spirit. I hope the dish you present next can match that spirit of yours."
Fumio Daimidō gave Megumi Tadokoro, who had regained her motivation, a deep look and nodded in slight approval. Then, the two of them went into the kitchen together.
"I'm a little tired today, so I'm heading back to my room."
After glancing at Hisako Arato and Sonoka Kikuchi, who were clearing the table, Okabe said this and looked at Ikaros, then turned and headed for his room.
On the way, he walked with his head down, seemingly deep in thought.
Ikaros watched his back without a word, silently guarding his safety.
"A single bed is a bit too narrow for two people. You can sleep on the bed tonight, and I'll sleep on the floor. Tomorrow, I'll go buy a bunk bed, and that should be enough space."
Okabe stopped in front of room 202. As he opened the door, he looked at Ikaros and briefly explained the current situation.
"I want to sleep with Master…"
After hearing Okabe's words, Ikaros looked at him, showing a significant emotional fluctuation for the first time.
"Then let's sleep together. It's colder in the mountains at night, and there's no heating in the summer. Huddling together will keep us warm."
Noticing that Ikaros's mood was a bit off, Okabe didn't insist. Instead, he reached out to stroke her hair and then wrapped his arms tightly around her shoulders in a hug.
"Sorry, I've neglected you these past few days."
Thinking about how busy he had been recently, Okabe looked at Ikaros apologetically. He had been so caught up in socializing that he had neglected her feelings.
"I don't mind. Master's business is more important…"
To this, Ikaros just shook her head gently, looking at Okabe with a serious expression.
As an entertainment-type Angeloid.
She didn't want her existence to interfere with her master, much less for him to feel pressured because of her.
Even though watching her master interact with other women made her feel subtly upset, she still chose to accept it quietly, because it made Okabe happy.
"What are you talking about? Nothing is more important than my Ikaros."
Taking his hand from Ikaros's shoulder, Okabe smiled at her delicate face, then went to the balcony to close the French windows and draw the curtains.
While he was closing the window, Ikaros took off her outer clothes, changed into her pajamas from her backpack, and slipped into bed.
By the time Okabe turned around, Ikaros had already warmed the bed and left half of it for him.
"Looking at it this way, it's just right. It's a bit crowded, but being crowded has its own atmosphere. Our hearts can be closer."
As he spoke, Okabe lifted the covers and slipped in, naturally draping his arms and legs over Ikaros, using her as a large body pillow.
It was a habit he had developed over the years.
"Goodnight, Ikaros."
Feeling the soft warmth before him, sleepiness quickly washed over him. Okabe struggled to close his eyes and soon began to breathe evenly.
Ikaros looked at him and reached out to gently stroke his cheek, just as she did when he was little.
And that restless feeling in her heart became exceptionally peaceful at this moment.
The next morning.
Okabe climbed out of bed, feeling refreshed.
Beside him, Ikaros was breathing evenly, but as soon as she sensed Okabe's movement, she immediately opened her eyes, just in time to meet his gaze.
"Morning, Ikaros."
"Morning, Master."
After his customary greeting to Ikaros, Okabe hopped off the bed and started his warm-up. Ikaros also got up and began to tidy up, folding the quilt neatly.
"That's about it. Time to use the restroom and then head out."
After saying this, Okabe left the room. He went downstairs for a quick trip to the bathroom and then came to the entrance of Polaris Dormitory.
Ikaros was already waiting there, dressed in a sports tank top.
"You two are up early. It's rare to see young people wake up so early."
Hearing the commotion outside the room, Fumio Daimidō, who was already awake, got out of bed. She pushed open her door and saw Ikaros and Okabe standing at the entrance.
The sky outside was just beginning to lighten, and the air was slightly damp.
"We just arrived, so we're going out to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings."
After doing another round of warm-ups at the door, Okabe turned to look at Fumio Daimidō.
"A morning run is a good habit. For a chef, a higher level of physical fitness leads to faster progress. It's a shame that few people understand this concept."
Hearing Okabe's words, Fumio Daimidō nodded in realization.
"That's right. Martial arts and cooking are from the same family. Only with a good physique can one go further on the path of cooking."
As he spoke, Okabe looked at Ikaros not far away: "It's getting late. Let's go."
As his voice fell, Okabe took off like an untamed horse, with Ikaros following closely behind. In a short while, their figures completely disappeared into the morning mist.
"So self-disciplined. No wonder he can make fried rice of that caliber."
Looking in the direction Okabe had disappeared, Fumio Daimidō stood at the door, this thought appearing in her mind.
In yesterday's skill trial, if she had to say who shocked her the most, it was definitely Okabe. He made such a delicious fried rice with just a bowl of leftover rice and three eggs.
Over the years, she had met many members of the Tōtsuki Elite Ten, but those whose stir-frying skills reached Okabe's level were few and far between. It was good if one or two out of ten could.
While this was partly because the Elite Ten members had different areas of expertise, stir-frying is a fundamental skill for a chef, so explaining it away as not being their forte wasn't entirely appropriate.
"Morning, Auntie Fumio."
Just as Fumio Daimidō was marveling at the arrival of a monster at Polaris Dormitory, a greeting from behind made her jump. She turned to see Erina Nakiri.
"Morning. You're up early too."
"Too?"
Erina Nakiri tilted her head, catching a key piece of information in Fumio Daimidō's words. It seemed someone at Polaris Dormitory had woken up earlier than her.
"You must be referring to Okabe-kun and Ikaros-san. I heard a noise at the door earlier, so I figured it was them going downstairs."
Behind them, Hisako Arato, already changed into her sportswear, came down from the second floor. She happened to hear their conversation and offered her speculation.
"You're right. About five minutes ago, Okabe and that maid named Ikaros left Polaris Dormitory. Are you two heading out as well?"
"Of course. The early bird gets the worm."
"See you later, Auntie Fumio."
Hearing Fumio Daimidō's words, Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato exchanged a look, then decisively left Polaris Dormitory and started running into the distance.
As disciples of Ryōzanpaku, morning runs weren't just Okabe's habit.
"These youngsters…"
Watching Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato's departing figures, Fumio Daimidō felt a wave of emotion.
This generation of young people was truly terrifying. Not only were they talented, but every single one of them was a hard worker.
"If the young people are so energetic, I can't lose to them!"
With that thought, Fumio Daimidō returned to the kitchen and began to prepare breakfast.
As the long-time dorm manager of Polaris Dormitory for several decades, her cooking skills were also quite good from all the exposure.
"Achoo."
In the corridor outside Polaris Dormitory, Megumi Tadokoro sneezed in her sleeping bag and opened her eyes.
"Is it morning already…"
Although she wanted to sleep a little longer, the mountain breeze made her shiver involuntarily.
Without much hesitation, Megumi Tadokoro climbed out of her sleeping bag, quickly packed it up neatly, and then pushed open the door to Polaris Dormitory and headed for the kitchen.
She was planning to thoroughly study the dish she had made for the skill trial.
But upon seeing Fumio Daimidō preparing breakfast for everyone, Megumi Tadokoro changed her mind.
"Auntie Fumio, let me help."
____
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