While the restaurant staff indulged in all sorts of wild speculation, Minezaki soon emerged from the kitchen in an apron. When she saw the imposing Kiyoei Wenren, her expression clearly froze for a moment.
"You're Aunt Wenren...?"
Even Minezaki herself felt that calling her "Aunt" was rather forced.
The beautiful woman before her had a somewhat heroic air about her, and Minezaki naturally recognized at a glance that she was Seiya's mother, Kiyoei Wenren.
Not only did her features somewhat resemble Seiya's, but Minezaki had also seen photographs in Kiyoei Wenren's room of her together with Seiya as a child.
The reason calling her "Aunt" felt so forced, however, was entirely because Kiyoei Wenren looked far too young right now.
Minezaki had seen photographs of her from her younger days, yet her current appearance had barely changed from those pictures taken many years ago.
It was truly difficult to believe that she was someone who had spent years working in kitchens filled with smoke and grease.
"And who are you? Where is that brat Seiya? Tell him to get over here immediately and explain what the hell he's been up to while I was gone!"
"Aunt Wenren, please don't be angry. Seiya went to Totsuki Culinary Academy a few days ago, but I've already contacted him and told him to come back right away. As for what happened while you were away, I'll explain everything to you in full."
Compared to Seichiro Yukihira, who had also gone abroad, Minezaki clearly knew much more.
Other than the matter Seiya had instructed her to keep secret from everyone—their hunting for rare ingredients in the Gourmet World—Minezaki told Kiyoei Wenren almost everything else about Seiya without holding back.
It could not be helped. Kiyoei Wenren was an elder, after all. And if Minezaki