A beautiful girl who transmigrates into a Herrscher of the Void is treated like an elf and conquered

He could already imagine the exclamations of praise from his classmates after tasting it... but today's target was someone else entirely.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Inu Chinatsu was bowing her head slightly, carefully tying up her long, ice-blue hair and securing it with a simple hairpin, revealing her beautifully delicate, fair nape.

Sunlight fell on her focused profile, softening her usual coldness. She tied on her pristine white apron, her movements unhurried and deliberate, carrying a strange sense of ritual.

(Ginger-braised pork... Hmph, easy.) Chika snorted inwardly, her gaze unconsciously drifting towards Shido's direction.

(You're always the one who steals the show when we go out, and you're always the one preparing the lunchboxes...tsk, now that you're the "little sister," I finally have a reason to really give you a piece of my mind. Serves you right for always showing off your cooking skills! Today I'll show you what real 'technique' is!)

(First, crush their confidence with absolute strength, then 'generously' admit his 'victory' at the last moment... The look of astonishment and ecstasy on their faces at that moment will surely be the best seasoning, right?)

(Moreover, on this stage that Kotori and the others have set up, we'll use our absolute strength to give Shido a real shock, and see your Fraxinus conquest plan suffer a setback first... That would be hilarious! Let's do it!)

A mischievous yet competitive smile played on her lips as she decided to get serious. This was both a playful jab at her "buddy" and a brilliant performance for the "observers."

It wasn't about competing for anything, but rather a subtle competitive spirit among "buddies," coupled with a subconscious desire to "show off how capable I am."

In order to deliberately reveal some information to Shido and the others without being noticed, a practice known as throwing a match without being detected, she decided to take this lesson seriously.

"Understand the analysis!"

Deep within her eyes, a stream of azure data surged at an unprecedented speed. The texture of pork, the optimal method for extracting ginger juice, the golden ratio of mirin, sugar, and soy sauce in the sauce, the heat conduction efficiency of the teppanyaki grill… countless pieces of information were broken down and optimized.

They converged into a broad road leading to "perfection." She even subconsciously simulated the force and angle of stirring several times.

As soon as the bell rang to start the class, she moved.

It was no longer just simple skill; her movements had acquired an indescribable sense of artistry.

When slicing ginger, the knife work is as fine as a hair, and the evenness is astonishing. When marinating pork, the fingers gently massage to ensure that every piece of meat is evenly coated with sauce, the expression of focus is as if one is caring for a fragile treasure.

Heat a pan, brush with oil, and arrange the pork slices. The moment the pork slices touch the hot oil...

With a delightful sizzle, the aroma burst forth. Her wrist was as steady as a rock, precisely controlling the heat, tossing the wok at just the right moment to ensure the meat slices were heated evenly.

The movements were fluid and precise, yet carried an effortless elegance; every turn and every flourish was like a meticulously choreographed dance.

She even unconsciously hummed a soft and cheerful tune, a barely perceptible smile of satisfaction on her lips.

He was no longer the icy transfer student, but an artist completely immersed in the joy of creation, radiating a warm and dazzling light.

All the students in the class, regardless of gender, stopped what they were doing and stared at her intently.

"Wow, that's amazing..."

"That move...is even more beautiful than the chefs on food shows..."

"Just looking at it is a pleasure..."

"The taste must be..."

"Hououin-kun seems to be glowing..."

Exclamations and whispers echoed softly in the classroom.

All eyes—whether of admiration, envy, or astonishment—were focused on her. She became the absolute center of attention.

Itsuka Shido was completely stunned. He had already stopped what he was doing.

He clearly sensed that what the other person was showing was not just technique, but also a state of mind that was almost "Tao" and a pure and unadulterated devotion and love for cooking itself.

His focused expression, his effortless movements, the gentleness and precision as if he were conversing with the ingredients... all of this was like a mirror, reflecting the distractions in his heart.

A surge of heat rushed to his cheeks—it was shame. What had he been thinking? His mind was filled with "strategic planning," "intelligence gathering," and "mission completion"... but he had completely forgotten about cooking itself.

He stood there, knife in hand, but his mind wasn't on how to make delicious food; rather, it was on how to use it as a "weapon" to achieve his goal.

Compared to the pure and dazzling light of the other, it seemed so... base and wretched. Food is food.

If we can't be like her, wholeheartedly immersing ourselves in it and pouring out all our heart and love.

Then he wouldn't even be qualified to stand in front of her, let alone "win the bet" or "obtain intelligence".

This intense sense of shame quickly transformed into an unprecedented, pure, and powerful fighting spirit, burning fiercely in his heart.

This is not jealousy, nor is it about completing a task. Rather, it is an excitement and resonance that arises from the depths of one's soul when encountering a truly respectable opponent, and an impulse to give one's all to show respect!

Almost instinctively, he walked towards Chika, who had just placed a perfectly braised pork belly with ginger on top of rice, the dish exquisitely presented. His gaze was no longer just sharp; it had gained a clarity and determination.

His steps were steady, as if he had shed all distractions and returned to the boy who simply loved making food for his family and friends.

Just as Chika was about to enjoy the fruits of her labor, she felt the gaze and the approaching aura that had shed all hesitation and impurities and become pure and burning.

She looked up and met those familiar yet unfamiliar blue eyes that now held only equal fighting spirit and silent respect.

The instinct of being "buddies" in his past life instantly overwhelmed all pretense.

A lazy yet defiant smile unconsciously curved her lips. She still held a spatula in one hand, slightly raised her chin, and uttered the extremely incongruous lines in her cool voice:

"Hooray~? Instead of running away, you're actively coming closer to me? Itsuki-kun~"

Silence. A deathly silence enveloped the classroom.

Shido was completely ignited by this sudden provocation, which seemed to come from the same channel!

He slammed his hands on Chinatsu's kitchen counter, leaned forward, and responded loudly, his voice no longer filled with confusion but with a resolute enthusiasm:

"If I don't get close to you, how can I truly understand the supreme skill in cooking behind your perfect dish! How can I respond and challenge you with a dish that I have also poured my heart into!"

"Phoenix Academy student! Let's have a serious contest!"

Chapter 36 The stage is ready for you.

"Ooooooooooo!!!"

The trio of Yamabuki Ai, Hazakura Mai, and Fujihakama Mii, who had been unable to contain themselves and had been glancing at the two of them, suddenly jumped out!

They didn't care how subtle the atmosphere was; they only saw excellent material!

"A showdown of the century! The new Queen of Iceberg Cuisine VS the veteran Prince of Home Cooking!" Ai excitedly rushed up to the two and shouted, as if she were the live commentator.

"Data explosion! Emotional variables and skill variables clash head-on for the first time! The outcome of this match will be recorded in the history of Raizen High School!" Mai excitedly pushed up her non-existent glasses and rapidly typed on a virtual keyboard in the air.

"Majikku! The final storyline unfolds! Camera ready!" Mii found a good angle nearby, raised her camera, and the sound of the shutter clicked like a bugle call.

The trio's antics instantly ignited the atmosphere in the classroom. The other students, recovering from their shock, erupted in excited, curious, and jeering voices.

"A duel! A duel! A duel!" some people who loved watching the drama would say.

"This is so exciting! A live cooking showdown!" A cooking enthusiast who usually brings his own lunch quietly peeked out.

"Whoever wins gets a mystery prize?" That's what the Rabbit Head Gang thinks.

Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, almost spiraling out of control, and the whole class craned their necks in anticipation of what would happen next—

"--uh-huh."

A calm, unassuming voice rang out, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Murasame Reine had appeared at the classroom doorway at some unknown time.

"It has just been approved by Teacher Gangfeng." She announced in a monotone, flat tone, skipping all the questions.

"Given the extremely high level of enthusiasm for practical teaching shown in the home economics class of Class 2-4, the teaching location and format have been temporarily changed."

"Next, all trainees will move to the third culinary practice room." Reine's gaze seemed to sweep over Chinatsu and Shido almost imperceptibly.

"The course content will be changed to: a practical competition. The winner will be determined by a secret ballot of all students."

"Eh?!?!?!"

Although surprised by the sudden change of venue, the students, still caught up in the excitement of the previous moment, were more excited and curious. They busily began packing up their things and followed Lingyin outside.

Seeing this obvious "behind-the-scenes manipulation," the provocative smile on Chika's lips returned.

As she passed by Shido, who was somewhat stunned by the sudden turn of events, she paused briefly and spoke in a low, mocking, and icy tone, in a voice only the two of them could hear:

“However, you seem to have misunderstood something, Itsuka-kun.” She tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with a condescending amusement. “Don’t misunderstand—”

"You are the challenger."

After saying that, she ignored Shido's frozen expression and left with the crowd.

-------

The group began to move. Just as they rounded a quiet corner of a corridor, a small hand suddenly reached out from behind a fire door, precisely grabbed the back of his collar, and pulled Itsuka Shido inside!

"Huh?!" Shido only managed to utter a short exclamation before he vanished.

"Huh? Shidou?"

Chika, who was walking ahead, seemed to sense something and turned around, only to see an empty corridor and a slightly swaying fire door.

After pondering for a moment, Qianxia continued on her way, thinking that perhaps it was just her imagination.

(Inside the fire escape - at this time)

"Kotori?! Reine-san? What are you doing..." Shido looked at his sister and the suddenly appearing Reine with shock.

"Quiet down, you idiot brother!" Kotori interrupted him irritably, waving the jewel-shaped stick she was holding in her mouth. "Time is of the essence, get to the point! Well done, Shido!"

"Although the process was a bit off track, your declaration of war was excellent! It put the duel out in the open and gave us the perfect reason to intervene and set up the venue!"

“Listen!” Kotori’s expression turned serious.

"The upcoming battle is no child's play! This is the officially recognized battleground of Ratatosk! Show me your skills... Now, Operation codename [Stomach Capture] is officially launched!"

"Operation? Capture? Now? Wait...you mean Chika?" Shido immediately realized.

"Not bad, you reacted quickly. The data shows that 'Chika's' basic affection for you is quite good!" Kotori tapped Shido's chest with her baton (Note: that's actually brotherly affection).

"This is a perfect opportunity! No girl can resist the temptation of delicious food, especially something even more delicious than what has won her over!"

Lingyin calmly added from the side: "...In psychology, this is called the 'conquer effect.' Defeating the other person in their area of ​​confidence, and then showing a gentle side, can greatly increase their favorability and desire to conquer."

“So, Shido!” Kotori’s eyes sharpened.

"You need to give it your all in the upcoming official showdown! Crush her head-on! Make her fall for your perfect culinary skills! Let her know who the king of the kitchen is!"

Shido was stunned: "This...this won't work? And why is it being made so formal..."

"Of course it has to be formal! The atmosphere is very important!" Kotori waved her hand.

"The ultimate ingredients and top-notch cooking utensils have been prepared by Ratatosk, and the venue, the third cooking room, is all set up! Your entire class will be the audience and judges! This is a live broadcast!"

"Wait! The whole class is here? This is too much pressure!" Shido felt a chill run down his spine.

"That's an order!" Kotori declared without question. "Let that elf lady revel in your delicious cooking! Remember, this isn't just an ordinary cooking duel, it's a strategic operation!"

After saying that, Kotori gave Reine a wink. Reine nodded and silently pushed open the fire door.

"Alright, get back to the team quickly, don't arouse suspicion," Kotori gave as a final reminder. "Remember, winning the match will bring you one big step closer to successfully completing the strategy!"

Shido was half-pushed and half-carried out of the fire escape. His mind was still a little dazed, but his sense of responsibility to "conquer the spirit" and "help her," as well as the competitive spirit ignited by Kotori, made him take a deep breath and his eyes become firm again.

(Corridor - later)

Chika saw Shido quickly catch up from behind, his expression seemed a little different from before, with a more solemn and...sense of mission?

(…What did he go to do after he disappeared just now?)

Soon, the group arrived at the so-called "Third Culinary Training Room." When the door opened, everyone was stunned by what they saw.

This isn't a school cooking classroom; it looks like the filming location for a professional cooking show!

The spacious and bright room contained several sets of gleaming, obviously expensive professional stoves and ovens. A dazzling array of extremely fresh, top-quality ingredients were neatly arranged, and there was even dedicated lighting and... several hidden workstations?!

"This, this is..."

"Does our school have a place like that?!"

Wow! These ingredients are so high-end!

Ai Yamabuki jumped up excitedly: "This is amazing! The ultimate stage!"

Mai Ye pushed up her non-existent glasses: "Environmental variables are under optimal control."

Fujihakama Mii: "Majikku!" The shutter clicked.

Chika looked at the extremely exaggerated scene, then glanced at Shido next to her, whose eyes were burning with excitement and who had obviously been "buffed," as well as the excited classmates around her.

Chika: "..." (...Heh, as expected. Ratatosk is really efficient. They've really gone all out to set up a stage for their 'protagonist'.)

She glanced at Shido beside her, whose eyes were burning with intensity and who was clearly "buffed".

(Shido Itsuka, you look so energized, did Kotori just give you a 'victory-defying pep talk'?)

But now that things have come to this, seeing the ridiculously professional stage and top-notch ingredients, her inherent "fun-loving" and "competitive" nature has been completely stirred up.