Erina's Overnight Stay / The Judge Is Red

In one of the possibilities, Shirou from space drifted into this world. When he first woke up, he was penniless and met Erina from this world. Then, on her recommendation, he enrolled in a school.

Shirou's culinary talent is already exceptional. When he first entered Totsuki Academy, he found it difficult to adapt to the world's unique culinary styles, such as dishes that cause clothes to explode, dishes that create illusions, and dishes that glow.

However, after a period of learning and training, he finally survived the rigorous selection competitions time and time again. After he integrated and mastered the system and rules of this culinary world, he soared to new heights and won a place among the top ten that year with unparalleled prowess.

Erina, though sharp-tongued, is kind-hearted. They often study cooking together, and over time, feelings develop between them.

When Nakiri Azami attacked, he dismissed Elder Nakiri, seized the position of Superintendent, and began the cold-blooded elite Azami regime. Shirou and Erina formed a team and fought a joint Shokugeki against the former Ten Elite. They defeated the other Elite Ten and became the top dog. Erina then took over the position of Academy Headmaster.

Then they fought side by side, overcame the difficulties, rescued those industries that had a cooperative relationship with Totsuki who encountered problems, and fought against the late-night chefs in the underworld who served secret meetings between gangsters, black marketeers, and political figures from various countries. They won the championship of The-Blue, the highest competition for chefs under the age of thirty-five.

Through repeated Shokugeki with renowned chefs, Totsuki Culinary Arts has continuously expanded its influence in Asia and even the world, which can be considered a remarkable achievement.

However, the interest groups surrounding the Nakiri family still had reservations about the relationship between the poor Shirou and Erina. Faced with these criticisms, Shirou always maintained a detached and indifferent attitude, which made Lady Erina anxious.

Chapter 432 Erina Stays Erina

If Erina and Shirou got together simply because of a momentary impulse during their youth, and would eventually break up due to differences in their social status and values, then the people in the interest groups wouldn't care too much.

However, neither the innocent Erina nor Shirou is like that. Shirou made his choice based on his own heart after experiencing and understanding his own state in this life.

When it comes to marriage, being mismatched in social status or background is the least desirable outcome.

At first, things were fine at school. I was surrounded by classmates my own age, and the gossip and rumors from the outside world, which emphasized social status and family background, were kept out of the school.

Until graduation, they were protected within the small world of the Totsuki Academy. Even when faced with challenges from outsiders, their culinary skills were the sole criterion for judging their worth. Furthermore, the elders of the Nakiri family were very open-minded, and Shirou's culinary skills were indeed worthy of the Nakiri family, so those who had previously disapproved of him dared not say much.

However, after graduation, Shirou rejected the recruitment offer from the Nakiri Group, and also did not accept offers from other large companies in other countries that had a greater influence than the Nakiri Group. Instead, he participated in chef competitions held in various countries, earned titles and prize money, and then used the prize money and the patents he sold to develop new dishes to open his own small restaurant.

A restaurant like this, with its lackluster quality, would be beneath the notice of any chef with any skill. And how could the Nakiri Group, a world-class restaurant conglomerate, possibly allow its young mistress, the commander-in-chief of Totsuki Culinary Academy, to marry into such a small town?

"Erina... Miss...!" The Hisako screamed, but she still couldn't stop the young lady's self-destruction!

"Why care so much about what others think? Even if we don't get married and just live together, isn't it nice to be free and easy like this?" Shirou said casually, like an enlightened Buddhist youth.

"No way! I already planned it when I was studying at Totsuki Academy. I'd fall in love freely, then get married. I want to wear a wedding dress in a church, exchange rings, and kiss to exchange vows. We'd also have three children!" Erina shouted frantically, grabbing Shirou's head from the side and yelling into his ear.

"I know, I know, I'll try my best for Erina." Shirou covered his buzzing ears, but he understood Erina's passion.

"Hmph, that's more like it!" Erina said, crossing her arms and turning her face away, though her cheeks were flushed like apples.

"Alright, alright," Shirou soothed her, pulling her into his arms. As a good young man who was willing to be a lazy bum, he didn't care too much about other people's opinions, except that the people around him were different.

"Then tell me, what are you planning to do next?" Erina asked, resting her head against Shirou's chest.

"Well, since we made a promise, I'll be serious this time." Shirou put away his deadpan expression, revealing a fiery red glare, as intense as steel forged in a furnace.

After all, his girlfriend has a great figure, good looks, and a wealthy family background, so she's truly outstanding. Therefore, quite a few people have their eyes on her. Shirou has certainly put in the effort; those who come to provoke him, those who try to get in his way, he'll crush them with a Shokugeki) and send them packing.

Erina secretly raised her head and looked at Shirou's profile. She felt her heart race. This usually easygoing guy always seemed particularly attractive when he got serious.

Although the world talks about pursuing dreams and sings the inspirational story of a pheasant becoming a phoenix through hard work, even if a pheasant becomes a phoenix, in the world of naturally noble rare animals, there is still a hierarchy of contempt for men from humble backgrounds. Even those from very ordinary backgrounds more or less acknowledge this.

Of course, we can't blame them for being snobbish; it's just a common human tendency.

Even if most people say they don't advocate for bloodline theory and admire grassroots heroes who rise from humble beginnings, they still dislike the crude, cunning, stingy, and cold-blooded aspects of figures like Liu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang. They still prefer wealthy young men who are generous, domineering, willing to spend lavishly on friends, and loyal to their principles.

People still prefer to accept stories like the Ugly Duckling turning into a swan or the frog turning into a prince.

In many novels and action-packed manga, the protagonist initially appears to have an ordinary background, but later they always end up with a father or mother who is extremely powerful and has a high status.

Otherwise, his seemingly superhuman talent wouldn't be convincing enough, and his attempts to show off wouldn't be sophisticated enough.

The Ugly Duckling can become a swan because it was a swan to begin with; the frog can become a prince because it was a prince to begin with.

It is said that everyone has their own unique talents and that all people are born equal. However, there is also a saying that people are grouped by their kind. The gap between the rich and poor in society is widening, and the divide between the poor and the rich is becoming more and more obvious. This is reality.

Even if you don't want to admit it, people's talents really do vary, and the influence of heredity is indeed present, and far more significant than imagined. What's even more frightening is that the foundation accumulated over generations, the environment in which one lives from childhood, the moral character cultivated, and the level of education received all influence the trajectory of a person's life.

While it's true that some people can achieve remarkable success against all odds, and there are indeed cases of genetic mutations in nature, just think about it: being born into a prestigious family means you're surrounded by people of high social standing. From your parents' and grandparents' generations, you've accumulated a vast network of connections. You're surrounded by distinguished guests in various industries, interacting within the same circle and achieving a tacit understanding of mutual support.

This makes them virtually invincible after entering society. It's safe to say that as long as they don't self-destruct, they have almost no reason to fail. If they also have good interpersonal skills and moral character, they'll be the Prince Charming.

Compared to those from impoverished backgrounds who can only rely on themselves, the proportion of such people who succeed is vastly different.

But...

Many people forget another fact: time flows on, and today's powerful families may decline tomorrow. History is written in such constant changes. Society, too, has developed to its present state through repeated transformations.

Those who bring about change are never the ones who benefit from the status quo.

Today, the most ordinary person, the most oppressed person, the most looked down upon by the mainstream, may be the brave one who leads change in the future.

Shirou wouldn't do things to gain fame or fortune for his own sake, and he wouldn't care if others looked down on him. But if it were for...

At this moment Shirou put the used dishes into the sink, quickly washed them clean, dried his hands, and said, "It's getting late, so let's call it a day and go rest."

"Huh?" Erina exclaimed in surprise.

"Didn't you say you were going to stay?" Shirou said with a light laugh, looking at Erina.

Shirou opened the back door of the restaurant, which led directly to the backyard of an old-fashioned mansion. The main house of the mansion was five or six times the size of the small restaurant, and slightly larger than the Emiya Residence in his previous life. This was Shirou's current residence.

The world really values the profession of chef; those who learn to cook are as sought after as students choosing a particular specialty in medicine.

The prize money for the culinary competitions he held was often very generous, and unlike other chefs who needed to keep their secret recipes as a selling point for their restaurants, he was inclined to let more people enjoy delicious food. So he simply sold the patents of the new recipes he developed for a good price.

In addition to the large patent transfer fee received during the initial contract signing, they also receive a share of the profits annually from the food processing plants and chain stores that sell their snacks.

So when Shirou was choosing a shop, he found that he still had plenty of money, so he simply bought the house as well. A house that was too small would have all sorts of inconveniences, and it was definitely more suitable for him than the Emiya Residence, so he bought a mansion and built a shop at the back door.

He only wanted a simple life, but his desire for the happiness of those around him never changed; he would never allow anyone to suffer. In fact, even if Erina married him without bringing anything, he could guarantee the family a comfortable life. However, Erina was a career-driven woman with a queen-like personality, unwilling to be subordinate to anyone.

Shirou handed Hisako a key. "Hisako, your building has been prepared for you too."

"Yes, then goodnight, Erina- sama, Shirou- sama," Hisako said with a bow.

"Wait! When did I say I wanted to sleep with you? Hisako, wait for me!" Erina said, starting to walk over there.

"Alright, alright," Shirou pulled the woman into his arms.

"Mmm! Uh!" Erina wanted to say something, but Shirou silenced her with a kiss. Her face flushed red and her eyes widened. Their pink tongues intertwined, like two little pink snakes coiling and sliding. Erina quickly calmed down and collapsed into Shirou's arms.

"As expected Erina, your body speaks more truthfully." The young man licked his lips; they tasted lemon, and were indeed very sweet. He exclaimed honestly.

The blonde beauty wasn't flustered as usual. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on Shirou, the blush on her face hadn't faded, and her slightly open mouth was panting. Under the moonlight, she looked exceptionally charming and alluring.

Shirou felt a surge of heat, his gaze growing increasingly intense as he looked at the blonde beauty, her face flushed, lying limp in his arms.

"Wait!" Erina finally came to her senses. Unable to break free, she could only desperately try to hide her face, not daring to look at her best friend Hisako.

There was no need to worry. The Hisako had experienced the same thing many times before and had plenty of experience in dealing with it. At this moment, she turned her head away, her cheeks flushed, covered her ears, and moved towards her residence. She knew better than to hear or see anything inappropriate! Otherwise, even if she stayed in another house, she would still have a sleepless night.

"Erina, look at me." Shirou gently pinched the blonde woman's chin, guiding her to turn her head and look into his eyes. In this quiet space, accompanied by the moonlight, the young man and woman saw only each other's faces in their eyes.

"What...?" Erina couldn't help but ask.

"I love you," Shirou said affectionately. Indeed, he had experienced a great deal before this life, but after coming to this world, the woman who had walked with him for ten years was the one before him.

Perhaps the life he has chosen now, the trajectory of his life, is not a magnificent heroic journey, nor is it the path that Shirou sleeps in the universe, most desires, the path that brings him the greatest happiness. After his death, his life will not be recorded. Until the day the world comes to an end, the traces of his life will also be reduced to nothing.

But so what? This is the life and love he chose. As long as he's with the woman in front of him, he'll die peacefully with a smile on his face. Isn't that enough?

If it's for the woman in front of him, then why shouldn't he fight for her?

"Hmm..." Erina nodded, responding in a voice barely audible.

"Haha, let's go back to the room!" Shirou's lips curled into a handsome smile as he picked up the blonde woman and ran towards the main house.

"Ahhh~!" Erina let out a soft cry, and the two of them snuggled into the blankets.

Now, the question is, why do people with a sense of justice often have dark circles under their eyes? It's probably because they stay up too late.

After a passionate night.

At 6 a. m. that morning, Shirou got out of bed by himself, without waking Erina beside him. The blonde girl was indeed exhausted from the night before, and she was usually very busy with her work as the headmaster of the Totsuki Academy. It was a rare opportunity for her to rest, so he let her sleep well.

Shirou tiptoed out of the room and went to the back door of the small shop, where he received the fresh ingredients delivered daily by the cooperating farmers and prepared more than thirty nutritious breakfasts for the morning customers.

At ten o'clock, Shirou was preparing lunch at the small shop.

"Shirou!!!" At that moment, Erina, wearing a bathrobe, suddenly pushed open the door. She rushed over nervously, not noticing that her clothes were still disheveled, barely covering her private parts and revealing her ample breasts. The slit in her lower body also revealed her white thighs. Fortunately, the shop was not open at the moment, so no one else could see this exposed spring scenery.

Shirou looked intently at the blonde woman, wondering to himself, "Offering me this kind of perk in broad daylight? Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Erina! Clothes! Clothes! You're showing too much skin~!" Hisako hurriedly caught up from behind and draped a coat over the young lady.

"Never mind that, Shirou! Turn on the TV!" Erina shouted.

"What's wrong?" Shirou picked up the remote control, somewhat disappointed, and turned on the TV hanging on the wall in the shop.

At that moment, the press conference for the Culinary God Cup Competition was being broadcast live on television. The same scene was playing simultaneously on billboards, televisions in home appliance stores, and throughout the streets and alleys.

At the same time, many television channels were broadcasting the same program. In fact, television stations from various countries had sent resident reporters to provide live coverage.

Chapter 433 The judges are red.

At that moment, the television in Shirou's shop was frozen on the scene of a press conference, though it hadn't officially started yet. The Asahi Shimbun anchor was reading the relevant information in a clear and articulate voice.

"Not this one! Shirou, look at your phone, change the channel!" Erina handed over the phone, urging him on.

"Yes, yes~" Shirou agreed and obediently turned the station. The young lady's temperament was like a donkey that had to be stroked; regardless of right or wrong, he had to go along with her.

At this moment, a young, energetic, and beautiful news anchor from Japanese local television is holding a microphone, flashing a sweet smile, and introducing this world-renowned, high-profile culinary competition to the audience.

"Hello everyone, viewers watching on TV and online! This is the press conference for the Culinary God Cup Competition, broadcasting live from Banana TV. Those without a TV can also watch via mobile website; this is a worldwide online broadcast."

"After a year of preparation, the global mega-competition God of Cookery Cup, has finally reached its final battle. Six months were spent in rigorous competition to determine the top four. Then, three months were spent building the stage for this grand event. And today! The stage for the final battle is finally complete."

At this moment, the camera focused on the huge building behind and to the side of the host, which was covered by a curtain. Only the magnificent white marble columns supporting the building could be seen. On the wall where the columns connected, there seemed to be the outline of a statue with outstretched arms. There also seemed to be a subtle large inverted triangular geometric shape on the upper level.

Even so, it cannot conceal the building's grandeur. A wall surrounds the building, and more than a dozen large wooden planks are erected to enclose it, completely blocking people's view of what lies inside.

The host continued, "Next, the sole title of 'Master Chef' will be decided right here! It will be chosen from these four contestants. Now, let me reintroduce the four finalists of this competition."

The first to appear was a spirited old man wearing a red headscarf! He was over eight feet tall, with his two arms, hidden in his sleeves, bulging high and muscular. He was the oldest of the four finalists, and also the tallest and most robust.

The host introduced, "Ten years ago Elder Liu defeated the Melancholy Rice's of the Hong Kong Chef King in a competition with his 'New Comet Fried Rice,' and he is now widely recognized as the world's strongest chef. His participation in this competition is actually as a representative of China, striving for the glory of China as the world's number one culinary nation with its five thousand years of history."

As the host introduced him, the television began to review the elderly man's glorious achievements in past culinary competitions, from black and white footage to 4K recordings. He had participated in competitions around the world, winning numerous awards throughout his life. He was also the first mainland Chinese chef to break into the world of Western cuisine, conquering countless diners. Three years ago, he received a lifetime achievement award from the World Top Chefs Association.

He has been the subject of documentaries produced by television stations in several countries. From the day he announced that he had accepted the invitation to participate in the God of Cookery Cup competition, the Britain BBB television station sent a special team to follow and record his life over the past year, producing high-quality programs.

It can only be said that this old man is already a living legend. His victory in this Culinary God Competition is merely icing on the cake for his amazing resume.

After introducing the world-renowned defending champion, the female host continued to introduce the next contestant. The camera then turned to a middle-aged man wearing a long white chef's hat, with a curly bearded man and dark, sharp eyes.

"He is Pablo, the world-renowned chef from Paris, France. He was born in Colombia, South America, and at the age of eighteen, he crossed the sea to Paris, the culinary capital, seeking the true meaning of being a chef. Hollywood stars and political figures from various countries are his supporters."

He said he feels uneasy if he doesn't eat at his restaurant for three days, and now he can't eat food from other places. He would rather starve to death than eat at a restaurant under Pablo's brand!

Next came an elderly man with long, flowing hair, wearing a kimono and bearing a scar on his face.

"He is none other than the former headmaster of the Totsuki Academy in Japan! The grandfather of the famous 'God Tongue' Nakiri Erina, the 'Demon of Food' Nakiri Senzaemon! I believe everyone in Japan is already very familiar with his name!"

At this moment, the host's voice rose a pitch.

"And finally... nationality unknown? Appearance unknown? Name unknown? The most mysterious dish of this entire tournament! The cross-dressing chef, Masked X!!!"

On the screen appeared a handsome man wearing Kamen Rider, dressed in a form-fitting chef's uniform that accentuated his muscular physique, with two long red cloths tied behind his lower body flared out in a dashing manner.

The television began replaying the highlights of the previous competitions featuring the famous chef.

When he challenged a master of Turkish barbecue, one of the world's three great cuisines, he made Turkish kebab; when he competed against a Malaysia chef, he made spicy fish, Malaysian cuisine; when he competed against a master of Middle Eastern Halal cuisine, he used whole lamb soup, a halal dish; and when he encountered the God of Ramen, he conquered the God of Ramen with an even more precise, almost artistic, ramen-pulling technique.

"Although his culinary skills are so superb, apart from the videos, the whole world knows nothing about him. Not even which continent he is from. However, netizens from many countries have presented various arguments and analyses to point out that Masked X is from their country, but no one can convince anyone else. There was even someone on the internet who admitted to being Masked X, but he was immediately exposed as an imposter."

There are many conflicting accounts regarding this mysterious chef, and there is still no confirmed information!

"But it seems that it is precisely this sense of mystery that has made him an idol for today's young people! In many countries, there are people who imitate his style, and because of his activities, children in many countries have developed a strong interest in cooking."

A video was playing on TV, seemingly from a European country. The streets were bustling with some kind of parade, and blond and red-haired children dressed like Chef Masked X were chasing each other happily, carrying black and white toy knives and frying pans.

"Why! Why! Why did you have to hide your identity?!" Erina angrily punched Shirou's shoulder, complaining resentfully. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't have had to go through all that trouble dealing with the family.

Hisako chimed in, "But Shirou- sama, you saw it on TV, it's probably the Christmas parade. You're practically Santa Claus overseas, so popular with kids. If you keep hiding and don't show up, they'll be disappointed. Why don't you reconsider?"

"No, no, it could also be Halloween?" Shirou said with deadpan eyes, waving his hand dismissively. Come to think of it, a guy running around the streets wielding a cleaver and a frying pan is indeed quite scary.

Although Shirou participated in the competition at Paradise, he didn't want to become too famous. If everyone knew about him, even in this small restaurant, curious people and gourmets would flock there, making it impossible for him to stay idle.

So you should make money and get married, but you absolutely cannot become famous.

At this moment, the TV host continued the introduction, saying:

"According to medical experts' observation and analysis through video, and based on the condition of his hand skin and his body shape, his age is estimated to be between twenty-three and thirty-five years old. It is now confirmed that he is a very young person with exceptionally comprehensive culinary skills and solid fundamentals. A reward of one million yen has already been offered in Japan just to catch a glimpse of the true face behind the Masked X!"

"Hmph, let's see how long you Izou?" Erina said to Shirou with a hint of schadenfreude.