While waiting in Shunkatei’s lounge, Haruto carefully observed the restaurant’s layout, the pace at which dishes left the kitchen, and the way the customers were dining.
Once he had gained a general understanding of its operations, he approached Ogawa Emi and asked whether he could look around the kitchen.
Emi nodded without hesitation.
"Of course. You’ll be completing a week-long Stagiaire here."
"The kitchen will be your workplace, so it makes sense for you to familiarize yourself with it in advance."
In fact, even if Haruto had not asked, she would have taken him there eventually.
He followed Emi through the dividing door between the dining room and the kitchen.
Unlike the warm and elegant atmosphere outside, the kitchen was filled with tense but orderly activity.
At its center stood Kikuchi Sonoka, calmly directing every aspect of the service.
She looked completely different from the gentle, soft-spoken woman Haruto remembered. Her immaculate chef’s uniform emphasized her impressive figure, while her expression was focused and serious.
"Table one’s signature dessert must be ready within five minutes. The guest requested less sugar, so don’t forget!"
"For table three’s vegetable salad, prepare the dressing according to the standard ratio."
"Table six has been waiting too long for their main course. Grill station, pick up the pace—but don’t lose control of the heat!"
Every instruction Sonoka gave was precise and decisive.
She held the rhythm of the entire kitchen firmly in her hands, ensuring that every member of staff fulfilled their role without the busy service descending into chaos.
At the same time, she continued handling her own work with equal efficiency.
Haruto stared at Sonoka in surprise.
In his memory, she was gentle, shy, and so soft-spoken that she rarely raised her voice.
The commanding head chef controlling the entire kitchen before him seemed like a completely different person.
The contrast was so extreme that it took him a moment to adjust.
Noticing the subtle change in his expression, Emi covered her mouth and laughed quietly.
"Surprised? Chef Kikuchi seems completely different from how she acts in private, doesn’t she?"
Haruto nodded seriously.
"I wasn’t expecting the contrast to be quite this dramatic."
Still, he quickly understood the reason.
If Sonoka remained as soft and hesitant at work as she was in private, she would never be able to keep the restaurant running, much less control a fast-paced kitchen operating under constant pressure.
Her assertiveness and efficiency during service reflected the professionalism and responsibility required of a head chef.
"Honestly, Chef Kikuchi is even more admirable when she’s working," Emi said with a smile.
"Though she’s very cute in private too."
While they were speaking, Sonoka caught sight of Haruto near the entrance.
Her previously stern eyes brightened, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
After finishing the task in front of her, she immediately walked over.
"I didn’t expect Totsuki to send you here, Haruto."
"Having the Autumn Elections champion helping us should make things much easier!"
She beckoned to him without ceremony.
"Don’t just stand there. Come give us a hand. We’re right in the middle of our busiest period."
Sonoka thought highly of Haruto’s abilities.
With his talent and current level of skill, he would almost certainly claim a seat among the Elite Ten once he entered his second year.
Having a student like him assigned to Shunkatei would be extremely useful.
"Got it."
Haruto agreed immediately.
He scanned the kitchen, found an unused station, washed his hands, and joined the work.
Thanks to his earlier observations, he had already grasped the kitchen’s workflow, the location of its ingredients, and the basic standards required for service.
He showed no hesitation as he began.
Ingredient preparation, plating, and assisting with cooking all flowed smoothly beneath his hands. His movements were practiced, efficient, and precise.
The other chefs could not help glancing at him in surprise.
They had assumed he was merely a student arriving to learn, yet the moment he began working, he revealed an exceptionally solid foundation.
With service still in full swing, however, they could only suppress their curiosity and focus on their own responsibilities.
Time passed quickly amid the intense work.
The sun eventually set, and darkness settled over the city.
Once Shunkatei’s final table of satisfied customers departed, the dining-room lights were dimmed and the pace in the kitchen finally began to ease.
The tension Sonoka had carried throughout the day disappeared.
Her commanding presence faded, and she returned to her usual gentle, soft demeanor.
She rubbed her tired brow, then turned and gestured toward Haruto as she addressed the entire kitchen staff.
"Everyone, let me formally introduce him."
"This is Suzuki Haruto, the student Totsuki Academy assigned to complete his Stagiaire at Shunkatei."
"Please look after him while he’s here."
Haruto nodded to the group.
The kitchen staff responded warmly, friendly smiles appearing on their faces.
In a professional kitchen, culinary ability spoke louder than anything else.
Haruto’s performance earlier had already earned their recognition, so they accepted him without reservation.
After greeting everyone, Haruto turned toward Sonoka and asked seriously,
"Chef Kikuchi, what exactly do I need to accomplish?"
"This is a Stagiaire, so I assume I need to produce some kind of result before I can pass."
Totsuki’s program could not be completed merely by helping with routine work.
Students had to demonstrate a tangible achievement before their placement would be approved.
Sonoka touched one finger to her soft cheek and tilted her head in thought.
A moment later, her eyes brightened.
"I know."
"During the week, you can work in the kitchen and familiarize yourself with Shunkatei’s cuisine and operating style."
"Before the end of your placement on the seventh day, however, you must create an original dish."
"It needs to be good enough to earn a place on Shunkatei’s official menu."
Her expression grew more serious as she continued.
"Shunkatei has applied for a higher rating from the WGO. Every new dish is extremely important."
"If your creation can help us earn that additional star, that would be even better."
Haruto nodded.
Sonoka was quite considerate, at least in the sense that she had given him a clear condition for passing.
Creating a dish that suited Shunkatei’s style and met the standard for its permanent menu would not be particularly difficult for him.
Producing something capable of contributing to the restaurant’s WGO evaluation, however, would be far more challenging.
That made the assignment considerably more interesting.
Over the following days, Haruto devoted himself fully to the kitchen during service.
Whether processing basic ingredients or assisting with more complicated dishes, he handled every task meticulously.
At the same time, he quietly studied Shunkatei’s culinary philosophy, flavor combinations, and overall style.
Haruto soon concluded that Shunkatei was a Western restaurant built around freshness, energy, and a youthful atmosphere.
Whatever dish he created would need to fit that identity.
Even an outstanding dish would struggle to earn a place on the menu if it clashed with the restaurant’s concept.
As he worked, Haruto repeatedly developed the beginnings of a new dish in his mind, considering everything from ingredient selection to the balance of flavors.
On the sixth day of his Stagiaire, after the final customers had left, Haruto approached Sonoka.
"I’ve settled on an idea, Chef Kikuchi."
"Get ready to taste my dish."
"In that case, the kitchen is yours."
Sonoka smiled.
She was eager to see what the champion of Totsuki’s Autumn Elections would create.
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