Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the guest reception room at Totsuki Academy, casting warm sunlight across the polished floor and finely woven carpet. It was quiet—elegantly so. The kind of stillness one only found in high-level negotiation spaces, where power and prestige met in plush chairs and soft-spoken words. Two elegantly dressed women sat on a velvet couch, legs crossed, arms folded, and expressions laced with a growing sense of impatience.
They were not the type to be kept waiting.
"…It's been over thirty minutes." Orie Sendawara's voice was cold, edged with irritation. She glanced sideways at the wall clock, then back toward the door, lips pressed into a line. "We're partners, not interns. This is not the reception we deserve."
Her younger sister, Natsume, gently tapped her manicured nails on the porcelain teacup before her, trying to ease the tension. "Orie…"
Before she could say more, the doors opened at last.
"Thanks for waiting!" A chipper voice rang out, completely at odds with the serious atmosphere.
The flamboyant Rindō Kobayashi strolled in, wearing her usual half-lazy, half-playful grin. Despite being the Second Seat of the Elite Ten Council, her relaxed demeanor and brightly dyed hair made her stand out in any setting—especially one as formal as this.
She scratched her head sheepishly. "Really sorry about the delay. The meeting ran long. You know how it goes."
Orie raised a brow. "Is this the attitude of Totsuki's Elite Ten?" she asked pointedly. "We were invited on short notice and made time in our packed schedule, only to be left waiting like afterthoughts."
Behind her businesslike exterior, Orie Sendawara was seething. If not for the long-standing strategic partnership between her company, Haubi Foods, and Totsuki, she might have walked out already.
After all, Haubi Foods wasn't just any culinary brand—it was a giant, boasting a 200 billion yen share of Japan's annual curry market. It didn't just supply curry to homes across the nation—it supplied directly to Totsuki itself.
Every year, the academy purchased immense quantities of Haubi's curry sauces, spice packets, and custom blends. Their collaboration was mutually beneficial. But even so, this felt like a breach of etiquette.
"Orie, please," Natsume finally interjected, voice calm but firm. "Rindō-senpai came herself. That alone shows Totsuki values this relationship."
Rindō nodded, offering a slight bow. "Really, I apologize. That was on us. To make it up to you…"
She pulled a small cookie bag from her pocket, tore it open, and began munching contentedly—completely ruining the mature, formal tone. "Want one?"
Orie stared at her in disbelief. Natsume sighed quietly. This is the second seat?
"…Anyway," Natsume tried to redirect, "you said you had something urgent to discuss?"
Rindō nodded, wiping crumbs from her fingers. "Right. As you may know, the Autumn Election is coming up. After our evaluations today, we decided on the theme for the preliminaries: Curry."
The sisters exchanged surprised looks.
"All ingredients—spices, curry blocks, pastes, sauces—will be provided by Haubi Foods. That means your company will be front and center for all sixty contestants across A and B Blocks."
"I see," Natsume murmured. "Still, that's a matter for your procurement division. Why are we here in person?"
"Because there's more." Rindō's tone grew more serious. "We want you two to serve as guest judges in the Autumn Election."
The room went quiet.
Orie blinked. "Us? Judging a student cooking tournament?"
"Not just any students," Rindō smiled. "Totsuki's best. You two are the most respected names in Japan's curry industry. Your presence lends credibility—and helps scout potential talent for Haubi Foods' international expansion, right?"
The words hit their mark.
Haubi was indeed pushing into global markets. Young talent with fresh curry innovation could be their future assets. Natsume smiled slightly. "Very well. We'll accept."
Orie hesitated but finally nodded. "Fine. We'll judge."
"Great!" Rindō beamed. "Let's go over the details."
For the next hour, they reviewed logistics, judging procedures, and ingredient sourcing. By the end, the sun had dipped lower, casting gold across the reception room.
"Thank you both. Shall I treat you to dinner to celebrate?" Rindō offered cheerfully.
"No need," Orie said briskly. "We have work tomorrow."
Rindō laughed. "Come on, don't worry. I'll take you somewhere you can actually relax. And trust me—you'll enjoy the food."
…
A black luxury car pulled up outside a humble tavern nestled in a quiet Totsuki alleyway. Its glass sliding doors gleamed under the warm light spilling from within.
"This is where we're eating?" Orie asked skeptically, looking up at the modest sign. "You dragged us out here for a student-run izakaya?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Wait… that building next door—isn't that Shunkatei? Sonoka's place?"
Natsume adjusted her sunglasses. "And this tavern… I've heard Anne from WGO mention it. Said a talented chef had opened it recently."
As if on cue, Rindō stepped out of the car, grinning. "Yup. This is Zane's tavern. Let's go in."
The Sendawara sisters exchanged a look. Curious but unconvinced, they followed.
…
Inside, the tavern was alive with warmth.
The aroma of grilled meats and spices filled the air. Customers laughed, clinked glasses, and chatted. A soft stream of jazz played in the background. And behind the open kitchen counter stood a tall, handsome man with gentle eyes and sleeves rolled to the elbows, commanding the kitchen with quiet authority.
"Zane!" Rindō waved, sliding into a seat at the bar. "Renovated again? This place is looking sleeker every week."
"Got tired of the old wooden doors," he said with a smile, handing her a cup of steaming coffee. "Glad you noticed."
Orie raised an eyebrow as she looked around. The place did have charm. Rustic yet modern. Warm but refined.
"Still," she muttered, "we're the Curry Queens. We've tasted cuisine from every high-end curry house in Japan. Let's see if this place can surprise me."
Natsume remained thoughtful. "WGO and the Elite Ten both recognize this man… that alone says something."
Rindō motioned to Zane. "Let me introduce you. These are the Sendawara sisters, Orie and Natsume—the Curry Queens."
Zane stepped forward with a respectful nod. "Welcome. Feel free to order anything—our house rule is 'ask and we cook.'"
"Then…" Orie said, folding her arms, "two curry rices. Let's see what your tavern can do with a staple."
"I'll have one too," Rindō added with a grin.
Zane gave a polite nod and returned to the kitchen.
…
Curry rice. A humble dish. Comfort food.
But in the hands of an expert, even the simple could shine.
Zane began by slow-sautéing beef tendon in garlic-infused oil until golden and aromatic. Into that base went a mash of carrots, onions, and potatoes—softened until nearly indistinguishable from the thickening roux. Then came his homemade curry mix: turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, ginger, chili powder, and a whisper of cardamom.
The scent was intoxicating.
He added a touch of creamy peanut butter to mellow the heat, a small ladle of bone broth for depth, and poured the sauce over perfectly steamed short-grain rice.
The final product looked… unremarkable.
No garnish. No gold leaf. No swirling tower of ingredients.
Just a steaming plate of curry rice.
Orie frowned. "This is it?"
She stared at the plate in front of her. "It's too simple. Too plain."
"True Japanese-style curry rice," Zane explained. "Sweet from the vegetables, warm from the spice. It may look plain—but try a bite."
Natsume leaned in, curious. The aroma was rich—warm and nutty, with depth and balance. She scooped a bite.
Then froze.
The taste was deep, with waves of flavor. The beef tendon melted like butter. The curry itself had both spice and sweetness, the rice soaking it up like a sponge, creating a harmony between sauce and starch.
"…This isn't ordinary," she murmured.
Orie took a bite, just to see.
Then paused. "…This is curry rice?"
It was deceptively simple, but full of comfort. Flavor layered atop flavor. Each spoonful invited another. She blinked, looking at her sister, who nodded slowly.
"Simplicity can hide greatness," Natsume said softly.
Rindō smirked. "Told you he was good."
Zane just smiled and poured more coffee.
Tonight, even the Curry Queens had been humbled by a bowl of curry rice.