Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

"Mr. Daiki, do you have any advice?" The timid Sonoka asked, mustering her courage.

She had come to Chiba to break through her plateau, after all. His insights from just tasting one dish might help her achieve that breakthrough.

"Try making simple but novel dishes. Honor the natural flavors of your ingredients, and don't let long hours dim your passion for cooking. View others' cooking as a W.G.O. Two-Star chef would." Daiki replied thoughtfully.

"Natural flavors? Not losing passion?"

Her upscale Western restaurant certainly emphasized Western cuisine. She had pondered the essence of ingredients' natural flavors before, but struggled to grasp how to explore this concept further.

"Go make some barbecue, or grilled steak." Daiki said, gesturing toward the open kitchen.

Without hesitation, Sonoka prepared a plate of barbecue and steak glistening with oil, accompanied by thoughtfully selected sauces and dips.

After taking a small taste, Daiki rose and walked to the open kitchen. With practiced ease, he arranged ingredients and seasonings before beginning to cook.

A delicate meat aroma wafted up with the charcoal flames, while the perfect sheen of oil made the beef crackle enticingly.

As he finished cooking and sliced into the steak, an explosive aroma swept through the hall. The rich barbecue smell made everyone's mouths water involuntarily.

It awakened the most primal craving for meat dishes.

"Try it." Daiki said, serving the dish to everyone.

Yukino, Haruno, Mrs. Yukinoshita, Ichika, and Sonoka each received a piece.

The moment they tasted it, pure deliciousness exploded in their mouths. Hot steam mingled with beef aroma rushed to their heads, instantly igniting their dormant culinary passion.

'I want to create dishes at this level!' The thought arose unbidden in Sonoka's mind.

Haruno exhaled softly, her beautiful eyes rippling with pleasure. Her entranced expression revealed she was completely won over.

Though more restrained, Yukino's misty eyes betrayed her delight.

The elegant Mrs. Yukinoshita tilted her head back slightly, breathing softly as the hot meat and aroma brought a fine sheen of sweat to her delicate face.

'How can such a simple dish be so exquisite?' She wondered, her glistening eyes fixed on Daiki in amazement.

With her taste buds still enveloped in the meat's fragrance, she drained her wine in one gulp. The wine's bouquet magnificently enhanced the beef's rich flavor.

Ichika squinted, her gaze at Daiki growing more conflicted.

How could someone be so extraordinary!

It was exhausting guarding such a treasure for others every day. She yearned to keep those precious jewels for herself.

"Is it the sauce?"

"Yes, the sauce enhances the beef's aroma. When paired with red wine, the fragrance becomes even more intense — utterly addictive." Daiki presented the sauce he had just prepared.

"I understand now!" Sonoka exclaimed excitedly.

At this moment, Haruno suddenly threw herself at him.

"Daiki-kun, I want more — could you make some more dishes?"

The impulsive action immediately sobered up Ichika and Yukino. Standing nearby, Sonoka's face flushed crimson from the shock.

No one noticed Haruno quietly muttering, "Please, Daiki-kun, make more dishes, let me get them drunk. If Yukino and Ichika stay sober, there won't be any chance tonight."

Daiki glanced at her and continued, "I'll cook the remaining ingredients."

"Oh no, Daiki-kun is a guest — how can we let a guest cook?" Yukino realized it was inappropriate and stood up to reject the proposal.

Before she could finish, Haruno quickly interjected, "Let Daiki-kun do it, it's been so long since I've had such delicious food. Little Sonoka, find a place to sit."

Though Mrs. Yukinoshita also felt it was inappropriate, it was his wish after all.

Moments later, the entire hall was filled with the aroma of meat dishes.

At first, they were somewhat reserved, but with Haruno's encouragement and a few drinks, the living room atmosphere gradually became lively.

Daiki finished cooking and returned to his seat.

Taking advantage of others' tipsiness, Haruno sat next to him. Seeing this, Yukino frowned and wobbled over to separate them.

"Yukino, come, have a few more drinks!" Haruno grabbed her sister's arm, launching her drinking offensive.

She also drew Ichika into the battle.

Though initially reluctant, Ichika found herself swayed by Haruno's provocative words and soon had several drinks.

The tipsy young woman displayed a fox-like smile, slipped off her shoes, and extended her foot toward Daiki's legs.

Yet even as she cunningly plied three people with drinks, she herself grew increasingly muddled.

The foot missed its target — instead of reaching Daiki, it found her mother.

Buzz!

Mrs. Yukinoshita froze, suddenly bolt upright. She stared incredulously at Daiki, who sat across from her, calmly chewing his meat.

A foot was creeping from her ankle up her calf toward her inner thigh. Her face flushed crimson as she quickly trapped the wandering foot.

'This... this is too outrageous...'

She had often wondered about his motives for helping their family. She'd assumed he was interested in Haruno or Yukino — or perhaps ambitiously, both.

But she never imagined... he was pursuing her!

"Dai...Daiki-kun... let me toast you..." Mrs. Yukinoshita raised her trembling glass, hoping to signal him to stop.

However, Haruno, the true culprit, noticed these movements.

'Hm? Why has Daiki-kun suddenly turned shy?' His expression remained neutral, but she detected nervousness beneath. This piqued the tipsy Haruno's curiosity.

Her foot continued its restless exploration, seeking to venture further.

Mrs. Yukinoshita's wine glass quivered, her breathing quickened, yet she dared not rebuke him. After all, the Yukinoshita family now depended on this Special Grade Sorcerer.

Daiki, too, was smiling as he sensed the scene unfold.

As expected of a prestigious family — they certainly knew how to play their games.

He acknowledged her toast with a raised glass and took a sip. Mrs. Yukinoshita promptly emptied hers.

Yet that mischievous foot persisted, refusing to relent in its futile advances.

She bit her lip involuntarily, maintaining an elegant facade while beneath the table, things were becoming quite overwhelming. Her garden was already moistured from the advances.

Though uncomfortable, she felt an unexpected thrill. Glancing furtively at her daughters, confirming they remained oblivious, her excitement only intensified.

Sonoka, being unable to hold her liquor, had already slumped onto the dining table.

Meanwhile, Ichika busied herself messaging Miku and the others.

| Itsuki Nakano — Fiftie |

| Ichika, Ichika, come in, report your situation! |

| Ichika Nakano — Firstie |

| Roger! Everything's fine! I'll hold the last line of defense! |

Though alcohol had brought color to her cheeks, Ichika clung to her final thread of rationality.

❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊

At the luxury apartment, Itsuki and Yotsuba breathed sighs of relief.

"Don't worry, Miku! Ichika may seem flighty, but she always pulls through when it matters!"

Despite her appetite, Ichika truly embodied the role of big sister.

Miku nodded in agreement, her concerns melting away.

Nino harbored a faint unease, but remained silent since Miku didn't object.

After all, the Yukinoshita family's invitation made perfect sense. The photos Ichika sent showed a scene of utter chaos, as if a tornado had swept through.

This situation clearly dwarfed the shrine pavilion incident.

❊❊❊

T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

For just $1 you can access all the extra content, descriptive images, and the smuts (this one has a lot), costs only $2!

That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)

https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing