Chapter 174: Dinner with Kikuchi Sonoka Part 1
The next day.
The atmosphere at Shunkatei felt different from usual. Unlike previous days when it was bustling until 9:30 PM, Sonoka decided to close the restaurant early tonight.
"Sorry, everyone, we’re closing at 8 PM today. You can head home early." Sonoka said to her staff as she untied her apron.
"Huh? Why so sudden, Kikuchi-san?" One of the waitresses asked, puzzled.
"I-I have some important matters to attend to." Sonoka replied, looking down, her cheeks slightly flushed.
The staff exchanged confused glances. They knew their boss well—she never closed the restaurant early unless something truly significant was happening.
After ensuring all the staff had left, Sonoka locked the front door and began preparing something special.
Tonight, she would cook for someone very important—Rokuhara Ren.
"Alright, I need to make the best meal. Ren-sama saved my life yesterday. This is the least I can do to show my gratitude."
Specializing in Western cuisine, she poured all her culinary skills into ensuring she wouldn’t disappoint Ren.
Her chosen menu was Beef Wellington de Luxe—A5 wagyu wrapped in pâté foie gras and mushroom duxelles, encased in layers of puff pastry. As sides, she prepared Truffle Risotto with authentic French black truffles and Grilled Asparagus with handmade hollandaise sauce.