Chapter 410: One Who Conquered

Before leaving, Sui bid farewell to Uncle Takeda, Atong, and the others, informing them that he wouldn't be returning the next day.

"Ah! Sui-sensei, you're not coming tomorrow?" Atong's face showed deep disappointment. Over the past few days, Sui had taught him a great deal about cooking, earning Atong's sincere admiration and respect.

However, Uncle Takeda and the others weren't surprised. To them, it seemed natural. Someone like Sui wasn't meant to work in a place like this. Most likely, he had been practicing his knife skills, and now that his training was complete, it was time for him to move on.

Although they understood, they still felt a little reluctant. Sui's presence had made their work significantly easier—he alone was worth the effort of several men.

"Sui-sensei, next year I'll work hard to get into Totsuki so I can see you again!" Atong declared seriously.

"Then you'd better give it your all," Sui responded with a smile, ruffling Atong's hair affectionately.

"Mm!" Atong nodded firmly, then added excitedly, "And when that happens, you must introduce me to Miss God's Tongue, Erina!"

Sui chuckled. "Actually, the two of you already know each other."

Atong looked confused, but Sui merely smiled, not needing to hide Erina's identity now that she had left.

"Eh? We already know each other?" Atong asked, bewildered.

Uncle Takeda's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, could it be... the girl who had her face covered earlier... was she the eldest daughter of the Nakiri family!?"

Sui nodded. "That's right, that was Erina."

"No way! The young miss of the Nakiri family actually came to a place like this?" Takeda exclaimed in disbelief. 

"Impossible!" one of the workers muttered. "How could the daughter of the Nakiri family, the esteemed God's Tongue, set foot in a place like this?"

Though their disbelief persisted, none of them doubted Sui's words. After all, they had witnessed firsthand how the eldest daughter of the Nakiri family had acted like a doting, gentle woman around him—feeding him water and wiping his sweat.

Uncle Takeda clapped Sui on the shoulder, grinning widely. "You really are something! Getting the eldest miss of the Nakiri family to wait on you hand and foot like that... you're a true role model for men!"

The others laughed along, chiming in with their own jokes.

"Sui, you're incredible! Looks like you've completely tamed the high and mighty miss of the Nakiri family!"

"It's really enviable to have the distinguished God's Tongue wiping your sweat and feeding you water."

Sui chuckled, feeling both amused and helpless at their remarks.

Meanwhile, Atong clenched his fists in excitement. "I actually got that close to Erina-sama! She even taught me how to cut beef! It's amazing!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. Everything that had happened felt surreal to him.

"I have to get into Totsuki next year!" Atong declared with renewed determination.

As Sui left, he spotted a luxury car waiting outside. There was no doubt it had been sent by Erina to pick him up.

After climbing into the car, Sui returned to Totsuki Academy. Once inside his mansion, he noticed that the tsundere hadn't returned yet. She had probably snuck out earlier in the afternoon and was now running late.

As soon as Blissey saw its owner return, it quickly and obediently brought him his slippers.

"So well-behaved," Sui said with a smile, patting its head and rewarding it with a piece of candy.

"Blissey! Blissey!" Blissey chirped happily as it nibbled on the candy.

Just then, the system's voice rang in Sui's mind.

"The host has received a gourmet gift package. Would you like to open it?"

"Open it," Sui said eagerly, looking forward to what the package might contain.

Based on his past experiences, the items that came from these gourmet gift packs were usually of higher quality than expected. Last time, he had received a Pokémon Evolution Stone from one such gift pack.

If he could get another Evolution Stone this time, he could evolve Fidough into Dachsbun, which would significantly enhance his God's Nose ability.

"The host has opened the gourmet gift package and obtained A-grade ingredients: Shrimpfly and A-grade ingredients: Butterspice."

Although he hadn't gotten the Evolution Stone he'd hoped for, Sui was still satisfied. Two A-grade ingredients in one package wasn't a bad outcome.

"But what exactly is Butterspice? Is it a butterfly for spice?" Sui wondered aloud. Judging by the name, he wasn't quite sure what it was. After all, butterflies weren't typically considered edible. Butterflies don't even collect nectar—they only feed on honey.

While Sui was pondering, a colorful butterfly suddenly landed on his hand. It was small, only about six centimeters across, with wings that shimmered with dreamy colors. As it flapped its wings, a rich fragrance filled the air.

"It smells incredible! But it's so tiny... would I need a hundred of them to make an ingredient?" Sui muttered to himself.

He had heard of edible insects like silkworm pupae and grasshoppers, but butterflies were a new one.

Curious, Sui checked the description of the ingredient.

—Butterspice—

—Food Grade: A

—Description: A special insect with a wide habitat range. Its vibrant appearance and the fragrant phosphorus powder it emits make it highly prized in gourmet cooking. The phosphorus powder from its body serves as a seasoning, enhancing the richness and flavor of soups. It is a high-end seasoning commonly used by renowned chefs. 

—Origin: Toriko.

"So, the phosphorus powder is a valuable spice?" Sui thought as his eyes lit up. That explained the delightful fragrance.

He checked the price of the Butterspice and was surprised to find it quite affordable—only 500,000 yen.

"Not too expensive," he murmured to himself. However, he soon understood why. The Butterspice was small, and its daily yield of phosphorus powder was likely minimal.

Luckily, only a small amount of the spice was needed. The powder from a single butterfly should be enough to prepare several dishes each day.

Satisfied, Sui turned his attention to the other ingredient.