Interns at the Tavern
The hands-on training activity was bound to be a new challenge and a rare learning opportunity.
Early in the morning, Alice went to the relevant department to receive her dispatch letter and detailed information about her internship placement. She carefully studied the documents to gain an initial understanding of her upcoming work at the tavern.
Next, she packed her belongings.
And set off!
On the way, her thoughts were filled with various images.
She imagined the work environment of the tavern, the colleagues she would meet, and Zane, the tavern owner she would face.
She knew this hands-on training was not just a simple practice but also a test of her abilities and potential.
Finally, she arrived at the tavern.
...
"Erina?"
"You got here before me?"
Seeing Erina standing outside the door, Alice was taken aback.
She noticed Erina was wearing a white chef's uniform, lacking her usual noble demeanor, and looking more like a chef.
"Hmph!"
"You're well prepared!"
"It seems you are confident that you will make significant achievements at the tavern during this hands-on training."
Erina's eyes flashed with determination as she replied softly, "For me, getting the chance to intern at the tavern during this hands-on training is a rare opportunity."
"The internship lasts for half a month."
"In this period, you and I, as cousins, should get along well!"
Alice gritted her teeth, looking even more disdainful.
...
To be honest.
Alice both envied and resented Erina, who possessed the God's Tongue.
On one hand, she wanted to challenge Erina's position.
On the other hand, she wanted to understand Erina's pain and share her burden.
This severe psychological conflict often led to a fluctuating relationship between Alice and Erina after Alice returned to Totsuki.
In the Autumn Selection, seeing Ryoko defeat Hisako brought her a strange sense of pleasure.
But when she learned that Hisako's departure made Erina frequently depressed, she felt uncomfortable too.
Whenever Erina seemed down, Alice found herself feeling down as well!
...
"Hey, it's only dusk now."
"The tavern won't open for another two hours. Why are you both here so early?"
Breaking the awkward atmosphere, the tavern door opened, and Zane appeared. Seeing the two beauties before him, he smiled slightly.
"Good evening, Zane!"
Both Erina and Alice, blushing slightly, greeted Zane.
Alice immediately stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Zane, I will be interning at the tavern for the next half month."
"Though you often criticize my molecular gastronomy, and I admit I still have many shortcomings despite winning the Autumn Selection, I ask for your guidance."
"I will work hard!"
"What's this? When did you become so polite?"
Zane was stunned, not expecting her to be so humble.
"Is there a problem?"
"I've always been this polite, okay!"
Alice quickly raised her head, her face turning bright red.
"Alright, enough with the formalities."
"Although I'm the owner and you are now interns, as long as you do your job well and don't cause trouble, I'll be satisfied."
With that, Zane turned and went back inside the tavern.
Erina and Alice exchanged glances and then followed him closely.
...
On the third floor of the tavern.
Erina placed her luggage in the room next to Zane's.
She looked around and saw the room was bathed in warm, soft light, creating a serene and comfortable atmosphere.
A large desk by the window held neatly arranged manga and light novels.
She almost wanted to sit down.
And enjoy a pleasant reading time.
In the center of the room was a cozy bed with soft sheets and blankets.
She couldn't help but recall the first time she stayed at the tavern when she ran to Zane's room and slept in his arms because she was scared of the thunder.
"I should thank him."
Blushing deeply, she left her room.
...
Knock, knock!
She gently knocked on Zane's door.
"Come in, it's not locked."
Zane's slightly low voice came from inside, and with his permission, Erina pushed the door open.
"Uh, Erina, is there something you need?"
Under the light, Erina's skin looked very fair and delicate. Her bright, clear eyes were filled with gentle warmth, exuding an elegant and serene charm. Her eyes were bright and attractive.
Zane pretended to cough and said.
"Uh, I just... thank you!"
Erina stammered, her delicate face blushing slightly.
Finally, she mustered the courage to whisper.
"Hmm?"
"Are you sick again?"
"Why are you thanking me right after starting your internship at the tavern?"
Zane looked puzzled and took a sip of water.
"No, it's not that. I... I wanted to thank you on behalf of Hisako."
Erina lowered her head, avoiding eye contact with Zane.
After a pause, she continued softly, "I was worried when Hisako left. So, I'm really... really grateful you took her in."
"Actually, Hisako just couldn't accept losing to Ryo. Given some time to calm down, she'll come back to you."
Zane sighed and replied.
...
As Erina's secretary.
Hisako was always by her side.
When Erina first came to the tavern, Hisako was with her.
Although Hisako had a cute and pure appearance.
Her presence was overshadowed by Erina's excellence, making her seem less noticeable.
However, during her stay at the tavern, Zane gradually discovered that Hisako was indeed capable!
She was meticulous and hardworking.
She handled everything at the tavern, including bills, sales, and inventory, with precision.
She was honest and well-behaved, never causing trouble for Zane!
So, in Zane's eyes.
Hisako was indeed an excellent secretary!
...
The atmosphere grew cold.
They were silent for a long time, just staring at each other.
Erina looked away awkwardly. Zane felt helpless, gently rubbing his nose.
Being alone in a room, if nothing happened, it would be surprising.
Zane sat on the sofa and waved at Erina, "Come sit with me, Erina!"
"Huh?"
"Never mind."
"I... I just wanted to thank you and leave soon."
Erina's face turned even redder!
But after some hesitation, she slowly approached and sat next to Zane!
Yes!
She sat down.
But she kept a considerable distance from Zane!
It seemed she wanted to be close to him but also kept a deliberate distance, feeling conflicted.
Zane could only chuckle.
...
At 7 PM.
Inside the tavern, head chef Zane was cutting beef liver into small pieces, cooking it in another pot, and setting it aside.
Erina was peeling and washing bamboo shoots, slicing them thinly.
"Zane, the bamboo shoots are ready!"
Erina put down her knife and called out to Zane.
"Good, give them to me."
"Okay."
Erina quickly handed the sliced bamboo shoots to Zane.
Meanwhile, Zane, who was stir-frying tofu, tossed the bamboo shoots into the pan and continued to stir-fry.
A rich aroma slowly filled the air.
"It smells so good! What dish is this?"
Erina asked eagerly, sniffing the delicious aroma.
"Don't stop. Go chop the beef into mince and chop the green onions."
Zane glanced at Erina and replied.
"Got it."
Knowing that distraction is a taboo in cooking, Erina focused again.
She picked up her knife and started preparing the beef and green onions.
...
"Zane, more orders came in."
"Table 1, two servings of Rising Dragon Dumplings."
"Table 4, one Norwegian Fruit Pudding."
"Table 8, three servings of Kung Pao Chicken, one Dongpo Pork, two bottles of sake."
"Table 9, one serving of Fish-Flavored Pork, three servings of Hibiscus Chicken."
"Table 13, one fried rice to-go."
At this moment, Hisako rushed back with the orders, handing them to Zane.
Breathing heavily, she quickly ran back to the dining area.
Meanwhile.
In the kitchen.
Many appliances were in use, including:
- Beverage dispensers.
- Fridges.
- Accurate scales.
- Microwave ovens.
...
Seeing the clock's hand just complete a circle, Alice's serious expression slowly turned into a smile!
She opened the fridge, taking out the frozen Norwegian Fruit Pudding.
"Here, Hisako, the Norwegian Fruit Pudding for table 4 is ready!"
"Got it, I'm coming."
Hisako quickly took the pudding and served it to table 5.
...
A sip of fragrant tea.
Initially, it tasted bitter!
But as it slid down the throat, it left a sweet aftertaste! Especially after swallowing, it felt refreshing.
Orie, sitting nearby and quietly sipping her tea, closed her eyes, enjoying the peaceful moment.
"Hey, Orie."
"They're so busy, but you're so relaxed. Is that fair?"
Rindo, eating hot Mapo tofu, asked curiously.
"This tea is excellent!"
Orie opened her eyes and replied softly, "Those three interns are enough."
"Besides, the hands-on training at Totsuki always requires interns to leave visible results."
"So, I can't interfere too much. They need to figure out the tavern's operations themselves."
"Furthermore."
"Compared to me, a Totsuki graduate."
"Zane is more suited to lead them!"
With that, Orie rested her chin on her hand, quietly watching the busy Zane, Erina, Alice, and Hisako.
Zane indeed had a charm that made these Totsuki students obediently follow his lead.
"You have a point."
Rindo
, her face flushed from the spicy tofu, paused.
She, too, watched Erina, Alice, and Hisako intently.
Finally, she fell into deep thought!
...
Though the graduation season at Totsuki was still some time away.
The days were drawing near. Soon, unless something unexpected happened, the senior students would graduate.
People like Eishi, Rindo, Tosuke, Momo, and Satoshi.
Naturally, they would all leave!
So, the Elite Ten seats would be re-evaluated after graduation.
Thus, this was a golden opportunity for new students like Alice, Hisako, Soma, and Megumi!
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