Event 47: Memories of a distant past (3)

A week has passed since Haruta's meeting with Director Senzaemon about his future as one of the ten advisers and the duel he would have against Senzaemon's granddaughter.

The duel would take place behind closed doors as was usual for the most important duels in Haruta, since the latter did not like to attract attention, but even so the news leaked and everyone knew of the results of the duels.

"Sigh ..." Haruta sighed, calming her breathing already inside the room where the Shokugeki would be performed.

The room was divided into three parts, one for the judges who were in charge of deciding the winner of the duel between both parties, while the other two parts are assigned to each of the competitors with personal kitchens for each.

The trio of judges looked at Haruta constantly "so is this Haruta Ichijo the prodigy of the ninety-first generation?" asked a judge, looking at Haruta with some intrigue.

"As you hear he already has a pseudonym, some chefs call him Zao Shen," said a young judge on the corner when he heard the judge's question.

"Zao Shen?" asked the oldest of the judges with a sulky tone "I know first-hand that this boy is a prodigy, but I doubt very much that he wants a title with the name of a god, he does not want to be one of the ten advisers for the responsibilities much less I would like a title that carries so many problems "the old judge had a stoic expression while holding his head with his right hand.

The other judges stared at the old judge with intrigue at the latter's words, they all have the same question in their head, what Tootsuki student does not want to be part of the ten advisers?

But the answer to their big question was right in front of them, a high school student with little aspiration but no doubt either.

It was a few minutes before the doors reopened revealing three silhouettes, the first representing the director Senzaemon who on his right side brought two girls a little shorter than Haruta.

"Haruta-kun, I'm sorry for the delay," said the headmaster, apologizing to his student prodigy.

"You made me wait a little while, but I will let it go for the sake of this encounter," Haruta said arrogantly as he struggled to contain his excitement.

The director laughed at Haruta's response "Well, I present to you my granddaughter Erina Nakiri" said the director introducing the blonde haired girl with a classic pampered appearance and violet eyes, just seeing the girl's eyes made Haruta She shuddered had a terrifying aura around her like a porcelain doll.

"Ugh" swallowed Haruta imagining that the aura that the girl emanated was due to her experience as a cook, a fact that made her smile excitedly.

On the other hand the director did not remain silent and introduced the other girl who was next to Erina "She is my granddaughter's friend, Hisako Arato, she is the same age as my granddaughter" said the director giving a simple introduction girls.

"Nice to meet you," said the pink-haired girl Hisako as she bowed slightly to greet Haruta.

"Don't worry the pleasure is mine" Haruta replied bowing slightly with a big smile but then the expression on his face changed to a severe one showing his ferocity again "Now let's go back to the important issues, is she my rival?" Haruta asked

The director ran his hand through his beard studying Haruta and his movements, he observed the box that was on the table recognizing it immediately "Well, I need to know if you agree with the previously established rules"

"Yes, I have no problem, if I win I will never bother with the ten councilors again, while if I lose I will be obliged to belong to the elite Ten" said Haruta without taking his eyes off Erina.

The judges were open-mouthed at Haruta's response, exchanging their observation points between Haruta and the director.

"Haruta-kun waited .....!" the oldest of the judges tried to stop Haruta but when he received a glance from the director he understood what was happening and remained in his position in silence, while pressing his hands against his legs.

"Do you both agree with the conditions of the meeting?" asked the director again "I remind you that the conditions were sent in advance so that no setback or conflict would occur after accepting the meeting"

Erina nodded her head confident while Haruta just let out a big smile full of confidence.

"Well, the theme of this occasion is wild boar meat" said the director with a big smile as the doors behind him opened, letting in two big packages, two complete boars.

Each of the packages was transported to the place where each competitor was, Haruta did not wait a single second when the black knife was already in his hand.

The dark-haired man's cuts were forceful and precise, which surprised the judges since Haruta seemed experienced in the wild boar kitchen.

Erina on the other hand took her time to select what to use, she cut the card with delicacy and grace, it seemed that she still did not have the necessary confidence in her abilities.

"Uh?" Haruta asked when she gave Erina a sideways glance "Hey what does all this mean ?!" Haruta exclaimed drawing everyone's attention.

"What's wrong Haruta?" asked the director with a small smile.

"It's a joke?!" Haruta asked expecting a concrete answer but nothing came "You said this would be a serious duel, she has no confidence in her own abilities, it must even be the first time she touches the boar meat with her own hands, am I wrong?"

Haruta was exalted to see that his food progressed even when he was screaming but Erina's did not make any progress, Haruta could not smell any of Erina's food which filled him with frustration.

For Haruta a duel was a special activity, it was the only moment where he could act naturally and now he was fighting against a person without spirit, an event that he could not enjoy.

"Sigh ...." sighed the director "I want you to show your true colors to my granddaughter" said the live with regret.

"Haruta-kun!" shouted the old judge, drawing the black hair's attention "If you win this duel you are agreeing to be part of the ten councilors!"

Haruta was stunned when I hear the old judge's words

"Eh?"